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BUY NOWLithium Ascorbate: A New Look at an Old Element
Professor Olga Gromova, M.D., is a clinical pharmacologist who studies micronutrients – substances the body needs in very small amounts to function properly. Her work focuses on how these tiny elements influence health. In her research, she has explored lithium as a natural trace element. Our science writer interviewed Olga for this article.
Lithium Importance
The human body depends on trace elements, which are minerals required in small quantities. Examples include iodine and selenium. Lithium belongs to a special subgroup called ultra-trace elements, meaning it is needed in extremely small amounts, measured in micrograms – that is, one-millionth of a gram.
Scientists use the term “essential element” to describe a nutrient that the body needs to function properly. One way to test this is simple: if removing the element from the diet causes disease or dysfunction, it may be essential.
In animal studies, removing lithium from food led to impaired reproduction, changes in bone health, and metabolic disturbances.
In ecological studies, higher concentrations of lithium in drinking water were associated with lower suicide rates in the area.
How Lithium Works in the Body
Lithium interacts with many proteins and enzymes that control biological reactions.
One key target is glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), an enzyme involved in metabolism and brain signaling. This enzyme influences glucose metabolism, brain function, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline.
Inorganic Lithium
Lithium always exists attached to another molecule. These lithium salts can be divided into organic and inorganic forms.
For example, lithium carbonate is inorganic. It is easy and inexpensive to produce, so it is widely used in psychiatry. The body does not fully absorb lithium carbonate, so doctors prescribe higher doses compared to other lithium forms. The more lithium carbonate is present in the body, the more lithium the kidneys must process and excrete through urine.
In summary, for lithium carbonate:
- Absorption is slower.
- Higher doses are required.
- Excess lithium must be cleared through the kidneys.
Because of this, inorganic lithium salts may cause more side effects compared to organic salts.
Organic Lithium
Organic lithium salts such as lithium ascorbate, lithium citrate, and lithium orotate interact more smoothly with biological systems. The molecules bound to lithium in organic salts participate in metabolic pathways, unlike those in inorganic salts.
For example, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in lithium ascorbate is an organic molecule used by the body in many processes, including immune function, collagen production, and cellular metabolism.
Lithium Ascorbate: Stress and Safety Studies
Lithium ascorbate has been studied in preclinical research on cells and animals. All studies were conducted in accordance with international standards.
In cell studies, glutamate is used to imitate excessive stress. Normally, glutamate is a neurotransmitter that helps the brain learn. However, an excess of glutamate can damage cells. Such excess occurs during stroke, traumatic brain injury, and epilepsy.
Researchers used mixtures of glutamate, lithium ascorbate, and lithium carbonate in different combinations to observe how neuron cells responded. Samples with lithium ascorbate showed higher neuron survival after glutamate exposure. Lithium carbonate showed higher toxicity and less protection in these experiments.
In safety studies on animals, lithium ascorbate showed no allergic reactions and low toxicity, falling between classes 4 and 5. Many vitamin and mineral supplements fall into the same toxicity class. This suggests that lithium ascorbate can be taken daily within recommended doses without significant side effects.
Other animal studies showed that lithium ascorbate had antidepressant-like and calming effects. In rats, the supplement also helped recovery from alcohol dependence.
What This Means
Lithium has traditionally been viewed as a psychiatric drug for bipolar disorder, but recent studies suggest potential roles in supporting cognitive function.
Organic lithium salts appear to be better absorbed and better tolerated than inorganic forms.
Research on lithium ascorbate suggests that lithium may help protect neurons from stress and support recovery in conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. At low doses, lithium may support mental health and neuron survival without causing significant side effects.
Warning
Lithium ascorbate is available as an over-the-counter supplement (Normotim). However, if you have a mood disorder or are already taking prescribed lithium, consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment or supplement intake.