What Is Lithium?
Lithium is a naturally occurring trace mineral found in soil, water, and everyday foods such as grains and vegetables. Within the human body, and while minerals like iron or calcium are well established as essential for health, research is still ongoing to determine the role of lithium. Despite this, lithium has attracted recent interest because of its potential influence on cognitive health.
Lithium has been widely studied for its important role in mental health. The NHS note how lithium is often described as a mood stabiliser, and is prescribed to help manage a range of mood-related conditions, including[1]:
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Mania – periods of feeling extremely energised, excitable, or easily distracted
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Hypomania – a milder form of mania with less intense symptoms
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Depression – particularly when other treatments have not been effective
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Bipolar disorder – where mood can swing between episodes of high energy (mania) and deep lows (depression)
In addition to supporting mood stability, the NHS state lithium may also help reduce patterns of aggressive or self-harming behaviour, which is why it continues to play a significant role in psychiatric care.
However, not all forms of lithium are the same.
Defining Lithium Orotate and Lithium Carbonate
Today, lithium is used in two main ways: as a nutritional supplement in the form of lithium orotate, and as a prescribed medication in the form of lithium carbonate. Understanding how these two forms of lithium differ in their use, benefits, side effects, and availability is important before considering either option.
Lithium Orotate
Lithium orotate is a dietary supplement that combines the mineral lithium with orotic acid. It is usually sold in low doses (5–20mg per capsule) and is available without a prescription[2]. Supporters claim it may provide benefits for both mood and cognitive function, and some research has explored its potential role in reducing the risk of age-related decline, including the progression of Alzheimer's disease[3].
Lithium Carbonate
Lithium carbonate is a well-established, prescription-only medicine used in the treatment of mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, mania, certain depressive disorders, and in some cases aggressive or self harming behaviour[4].
Key Differences Between Lithium Orotate and Lithium Carbonate
1. Elemental Lithium Content
Lithium carbonate is a salt made of lithium and carbonate. Because carbonate is relatively light in molecular weight, lithium carbonate contains a larger proportion of elemental lithium per milligram of compound.
Lithium orotate, on the other hand, pairs lithium with orotic acid, which is a heavier molecule. This means that each milligram of lithium orotate provides less elemental lithium compared to lithium carbonate.
2. Dosage
Lithium carbonate is prescribed in particularly higher doses – typically around 200-450mg per day – which is far greater than the amounts found in lithium orotate supplements (commonly 5–20mg per capsule). This is why lithium orotate is considered a supplement.
3. Therapeutic Dose Window
Lithium carbonate is prescribed at much higher doses. At these higher amounts, lithium has a narrow therapeutic window[3], meaning the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is quite small. For this reason, regular blood monitoring is essential.
By contrast, lithium orotate supplements usually provide 5–20mg per capsule. At these low doses, the elemental lithium delivered is closer to what people might already consume through diet and water, and the risk of toxicity is considered minimal. Reports of side effects at these levels are rare, and importantly, there have been no significant documented cases of adverse effects at the common 5mg dose. This much wider margin of safety is one reason why orotate is sold as a supplement rather than a prescription-only medicine.
4. Who Uses Them
Lithium carbonate is typically prescribed for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder and sometimes for depression. Lithium orotate is generally used by individuals seeking supplement-based cognitive support or mood regulation without a clinical diagnosis.
5. Benefits
Lithium carbonate can be effective in stabilising mood swings and preventing manic or depressive episodes. Lithium orotate benefits are more subtle and not as well studied, but some users and early research suggest potential roles in supporting brain function, neuroprotection, and balancing mood.
6. Side Effects
Lithium carbonate carries a higher risk of side effects, which may include electrolyte imbalance, kidney-related issues such as nephrotic syndrome, and other complications where the exact frequency is not well established. According to the NHS, people taking lithium carbonate need regular blood tests – initially weekly – to ensure that lithium levels are not too high or too low[5]. Once a stable dose is achieved, blood monitoring usually continues every 3-6 months to help keep treatment safe and effective.
By contrast, lithium orotate is taken in much smaller amounts and is generally associated with fewer reported side effects. However, research into its long-term safety remains limited. It's also important to remember that even supplements can interact with food, medications, and other supplements, so professional guidance is always recommended before use.
7. Availability
Lithium carbonate is prescription-only in the UK and monitored under medical supervision. Lithium orotate is sold either online or in health stores as a dietary supplement, but not recognised as a licensed medicine.
Lithium from Diet and Water in the UK
It’s important to recognise that lithium is not only available through supplements or prescription medicines – it is something most people consume daily without realising. Lithium is naturally found in soil and groundwater, and as a result it is present in grains, vegetables, and drinking water.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
Choosing between lithium orotate and lithium carbonate should not be done without proper understanding. If you’re considering either option – whether for mood support, cognitive health, or medical treatment – it is best to seek advice from a qualified professional. For further advice, Napiers offer various services that aim to support you with practical, personalised wellness strategies. Book a consultation with us to receive personalised guidance based on your individual health profile.
While lithium orotate and lithium carbonate both stem from the same trace mineral, they serve very different purposes. Lithium carbonate remains a vital prescription medicine for managing mental health conditions, whereas lithium orotate is a low-dose supplement sometimes explored for cognitive and general wellness support. Understanding the differences in dosage, side effects, and availability is key. Seeking professional guidance ensures you make safe, informed choices about which, if either, may be right for you.
FAQs
Can kids take lithium orotate?
No. Lithium orotate is not recommended for children, as research on its safety in younger populations is lacking.
Does lithium carbonate help you sleep?
Not directly, but by stabilising mood it may improve sleep for some.
Does lithium orotate work immediately?
No. Like most supplements, it may take weeks of consistent use before any noticeable effect occurs.
Can lithium cause diarrhoea?
Yes, diarrhoea is a known side effect of lithium, especially if levels in the blood are too high.
Is lithium orotate better than lithium carbonate?
Neither is “better” — they serve different purposes. Lithium carbonate is medically prescribed for mental health conditions, while lithium orotate is a low-dose supplement used for general wellness and potential cognitive support.
