Benefits of lithium as a supplement and how to take it

He Lithium is a naturally occurring trace element found in water, soil, and some foods. While primarily associated with its medical use in psychiatry, in recent years it has garnered interest as a low-dose supplement due to its potential effects on mental well-being, cognitive function, and brain health .

But is lithium in microdoses really beneficial? How should it be taken to safely reap its benefits? In this article, we explain everything you need to know about lithium as a dietary supplement , its positive effects , and usage recommendations .

Main benefits of lithium as a supplement

Although its role as an essential nutrient is still being investigated, lithium microdoses (much lower than the pharmacological doses used in medicine) could provide several potential benefits:

1. It promotes emotional balance.
   Lithium helps stabilize neurotransmitters involved in mood, such as serotonin and dopamine, reducing irritability, anxiety, and emotional changes.

2. It supports cognitive function and memory
   Recent research suggests that lithium stimulates the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a key area for learning and memory.

3. Protects against neurodegeneration
   Low doses of lithium appear to have a neuroprotective effect, helping to prevent cell damage associated with brain aging and diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's .

4. It contributes to the regulation of stress
   By improving communication between neurons and reducing inflammation, lithium helps the brain maintain a more balanced state in the face of physical and emotional stress.

How to take lithium safely?

Lithium can be found in small amounts naturally in foods such as vegetables, whole grains, nuts and mineral water , but its contribution is usually low.

That's why some people opt for low-dose lithium supplements , especially in the form of lithium orotate, which improves cellular absorption and is well tolerated in small amounts.

👉 Indicative dosage:
Research suggests that a daily microdose of 1 to 5 mg of elemental lithium may be sufficient to obtain benefits without risk of toxicity.
This is approximately equivalent to 23–115 mg of lithium orotate , depending on the concentration of the product.

⚠️ Important:
Lithium should always be taken under medical supervision , especially if other medications are already being taken, or if there are kidney, thyroid, or heart problems.

Unlike in other countries such as the United States and Canada, in the European Union, lithium orotate is not approved as a food supplement, and is only marketed for research or laboratory use purposes.

What foods naturally contain lithium?

In addition to supplements, you can increase your lithium intake naturally through diet. Some recommended sources include:

• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, chard, broccoli)

• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas)

• Nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds)

• Whole grains

• Mineral waters with natural lithium content

A balanced diet rich in whole foods can help maintain healthy levels of this mineral.

Difference between medical lithium and lithium supplement

While medical forms are used in psychiatry and require regular blood tests, microdoses in the form of orotate focus on general health and mental balance , without reaching toxic levels.

In summary

Lithium as a supplement can be anatural support for mental and cognitive health , provided it is used in very low doses and with medical caution .
Its potential benefits include improved emotional balance, greater mental clarity, and lasting neurocellular protection.

However, it should not be confused with high-dose medical treatments. If you are considering taking lithium in microdoses or in the form of orotate, always consult a healthcare professional to determine if it is right for you.