Lithium
Lithium is a natural mineral found in rocks, soil, and even in small amounts in drinking water. In medicine, it's used as a mood stabiliser, especially to treat conditions like bipolar disorder. It works by helping to balance certain brain chemicals that affect mood and emotions. When taken as a medication, lithium helps reduce extreme mood swings and keeps mood more stable over time.
Is this used to correct a deficiency or achieve supramaximal levels?
Supramaximal
Is it taken for life span or health span?
Both
Is it targeting a specific disease? Or general health?
Mental health
Any genetic involvement?
Genes associated with bipolar e.g DGKH and GSK3b
Is there a biomarker to track its effects?
Blood serum
MOA of supplement
Lithium works by balancing chemicals in the brain: it reduces excitatory signals like dopamine and glutamate, while boosting calming signals like GABA. It also protects brain cells by reducing stress and damage, and increasing proteins that support brain health, which helps stabilise mood in conditions like bipolar disorder.
Risk vs reward
+ Can improve mood and anxiety levels
+ May have anti-aging properties by protecting cells
- Narrow therapeutic index, toxicity effects effects the kidneys and thyroid glands
Evidence for it?
Survey of 211 adults using over-the-counter lithium supplements found most took lithium aspartate (10 mg daily). Users reported perceived benefits mainly in cognition, mood, and anxiety, with mood rated as the greatest improvement. Over half rated benefits as moderate or greater. However, side effects and withdrawal symptoms were common, leading many to stop use. Despite this, most held positive views of lithium and were open to higher doses. Findings highlight the need for controlled trials to confirm benefits, compare formulations, and assess safety at low doses.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 studies (113 million people) found that higher lithium levels in drinking water were linked to lower suicide rates and fewer psychiatric hospital admissions. No clear dose–response was observed. Evidence for effects on depression, anxiety, dementia, and psychosis was mixed. Findings support lithium’s possible anti-suicidal and neuroprotective properties, but more research is needed on benefits, risks, and optimal concentrations before public health recommendations can be made.
Lithium is a common treatment for bipolar disorder. It helps reduce mood swings, prevents future episodes, and lowers suicide risk. Bipolar disorder has been linked to faster aging, with signs like shorter telomeres, more stress in cells, and earlier onset of age-related diseases. Research suggests lithium may help slow this process by protecting cells, lengthening telomeres, reducing cell stress, and improving DNA and energy function. These anti-aging effects seem stronger in people who respond well to lithium and take it long term. More studies are needed to fully understand how lithium works and its role in both mood stability and aging.
Evidence against it?
Long term use can cause hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, nephrotoxicity and muscle weakness. It also has several drug interactions with commonly prescribed drugs e.g. diuretics, NSAIDS and ACE inhibitors
Best bioavailable form?
Capsule
Advice on taking it?
With a meal