April 16, 2014 Dr. Edward Group, DC

Is Lithium Orotate Good or Bad for You?

Lithium Orotate is not a drug at all; it's actually a mineral and part of the sodium and potassium family.

The health benefits of lithium orotate are causing an explosion in its popularity. I've been an advocate of lithium orotate for quite some time and have incorporated into some of my own formulations. A friend of mine, Dr. Mark Millar, is the leading authority on lithium orotate in the United States today. He published an eBook, Veteran Suicide Breakthrough: Revealing the Breakthrough Mineral for Suicide Prevention, PTSD and Depression 'They Definitely' Don't Want You to Know About which is loaded with facts on lithium’s effects on the both body and brain. I'd really encourage you to check out his book, it's powerful information you're not going to hear from any mainstream source. I'd like to share a few of the shocking facts contained within the pages of Dr. Millar's book but must reiterate that much of this is very controversial, disputed by the mainstream medical establishment, and should not be interpreted as claims, promises, or fodder to diagnose yourself. I am sharing this for informational purposes only! Lithium orotate is intended as a nutrient to supplement the diet. Its effects are nutritional. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and this nutrient is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What Is Lithium?

"Technically, lithium is not a drug but a mineral, similar to salt." -VA Research Currents
"In fact, lithium isn’t a drug at all. It’s actually a mineral — part of the same family of minerals that includes sodium and potassium." -Jonathan Wright, M.D., author of “The Importance of Lithium Supplementation"
"Shocking but true — lithium is an essential trace element." -Emily Deans, M.D., (Harvard trained psychiatrist) author of “Could You Have a Lithium Deficiency?"
"Lithium is an essential micronutrient... It is present in all organs and tissues in the body. It has similar chemical properties to that of calcium and magnesium." -Mark Hyman, M.D., best-selling author of "The UltraMind Solution"
"Lithium is one of the most important elements in the human body." -Lawrence Wilson, M.D., author of "Lithium"
"Lithium itself is not a drug; it’s a naturally occurring mineral salt like potassium, and is something you need for proper mental and physical health... Lithium orotate may be a safe and simple way to help beat the blues." -Al Sears, M.D.
"Lithium is one of the most important elements in the human body." -Lawrence Wilson, M.D., author of "Lithium"
"Lithium is a trace element which has important functions in the brain, including protecting brain cells from various toxins and reducing the ill effects of certain excitatory neurotransmitters which are harmful in large amounts." -Alice R. Laule, M.D., author of "Lithium"
Lithium is the most powerful essential trace mineral ever discovered for promoting optimal functioning of the brain and central nervous system.

Why Is Lithium Important?

Medical doctors are now speaking out about the essential trace mineral known as lithium, promoting its incredible therapeutic benefits at low servings.
Lithium is an essential trace mineral. When lithium is removed from the diet of farm animals, they appear to develop numerous chronic, degenerative diseases. These include atrophy of the spleen, development of cysts and tumors, severely depressed immune systems, and decreased fertility. Additionally, the quantity of breast milk is diminished in nursing mothers with inadequate lithium stores.
A study from Texas analyzed 27 state counties between the years of 1978-1987. It was discovered that the incidence of suicide, homicide, rape, drug abuse, and felonious acts were about 50% lower in the 27 counties with lithium-containing drinking water. The water had lithium levels ranging from 70-170 micrograms/L. Additionally, the study found a significant reduction in drug-related arrests within the same time period and locations.
"In small servings (15 mg/day), lithium orotate has been shown to protect the central nervous system." -Dietrich K. Klinghardt, M.D, Ph.D.
Harvard Medical School has analyzed over 30 human meta-analysis studies and has determined that lithium reduces the rate and risk of suicide attempts by 80-90% in patients with major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. In fact, the overall risk of suicides was five times less among lithium-treated subjects compared with individuals not treated with lithium.
In human studies among healthy populations, lithium has been shown to significantly increase brain mass in both gray and white matter.
Lithium augmentation appears to be a promising therapy for geriatric patients who are unresponsive to, or cannot tolerate, other standard therapies.
"In some cases, adjunctive lithium leads to improvement in mood very quickly, usually in 2 or 3 days."
In a placebo-controlled human study, lithium reduced histamine and bronchial reactivity in airway smooth muscle, improving symptom scores. Lithium also significantly reduced the contractile effect of histamine on the tissues of the lung and trachea in guinea pigs.
Lithium may support the blood vessels in humans. Animals rendered lithium deficient in lab testing developed calcification of blood vessels, increasing the risk for heart concerns.
Lithium has been shown to reduce excessive levels of arachidonic acid in the brains of rats. "…lithium might be considered for promoting normal brain health in humans."
Lithium has been discovered to produce profound improvement of immune function by increasing these white blood cell components: granulocytes, monocytes, natural killer T-cells, and immunoglobulins.
Multiple studies have suggested lithium’s possible role in alleviating occasional headaches.
Lithium also provides robust protection from toxic metal toxicity. Lithium has been shown to protect cells from aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury toxicity. Animal studies has positioned lithium as having a protective effect against toxic metals.
Lithium has soothing effects upon the bowel. Lithium works at the core of stress-related illnesses by balancing, normalizing, and regulating stress hormones like adrenaline and noradrenaline. "Lithium plays a gastro-protective role."

Is Lithium Safe?

Lithium orotate "...does not require blood tests to establish a therapeutic level as prescription forms do, nor is it toxic to the kidneys like lithium pharmaceuticals." In addition, "...Prescription lithium is poorly absorbed by cells, the main site where it performs its functions." -Ward Dean, M.D.
According to Jonathan Wright, M.D., America's top authority on lithium orotate, a total daily intake of 30 milligrams of elemental lithium will have unnoticeable effects on serum lithium levels, with levels usually residing in a non-detectable range. Even 40 mg per day appears to be completely safe, presenting no negative side effects or signs of toxicity.
Dr. Wright also testifies that, "After decades of clinical research and laboratory testing of the compound on my patients, I discovered that administering lithium orotate up to 40 mg per day to be completely safe (without negative side effects or toxicity) and absolutely effective in the control of numerous mental, neurological, and physical conditions."
Dr. Dean also states, "Lithium orotate has also been successfully used in alleviating discomfort from [some types of occasional] headaches... Lithium Orotate is extremely safe, with no known adverse side effects or drug interactions."
"Lithium orotate is effective at uncommonly low serving sizes and causes no negative side effects." -Dr. Hans Nieper

What's the Best Form of Lithium?

Another form of lithium, called lithium orotate, is preferred because the orotate ion crosses the blood-brain barrier easily. Therefore, lithium orotate can be used in much lower servings (e.g. 5 mg) with remarkable results and no side effects. -Shaheen Lakhan, M.D., author of "Nutritional Therapies for Mental Disorders"
"The lithium salt of orotic acid (lithium orotate) improves the effects of lithium several-fold by increasing lithium bio-utilization." -Ward Dean, M.D., author of "The Unique Safe Mineral with Multiple Uses"
Available without a prescription, lithium orotate is lithium joined with an orotate ion, rather than to a carbonate ion.
"Lithium orotate is a highly bioavailable form of lithium that is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement." -Linda Fugate, Ph.D., author of "Lithium’s Potential Role in Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease"
In 1973, Dr. Hans Nieper reported that approximately 90% of his migraine patients reported significant relief in the frequency and severity of their headaches. He states that he was able to produce these results by utilizing a unique mineral transporter known as orotic acid (aka, orotate), thus allowing him to administer only minute amounts of lithium to achieve maximum results.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

Posted in: Mind and Body > Mental Wellness, Nutrition > Supplements > Minerals,

Dr. Edward Group, DC

FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATE

Dr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.