Lithium Orotate : What You Should Know

Lithium Orotate and MTHFR C677T
Lithium Orotate has found to be quite helpful with individuals that have a SNP ant the C677T and the COMT gene. Primarily lithium increases the transport of vitamin B12 and Folate, which are critical components in the production of methyl groups.

With MTHFR C677T mutations there is difficulty with the enzyme Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase, which converts the green leafy vegetables to a useable form of folate. When this process does not function at optimum due to genetic issues than there is more likely to be neurotransmitter issues leading to anxiety and overall mood fluctuations.

In individuals that also have the COMT gene snp, this can lead to more difficulty with managing stress and mood disorders. The primary role of COMT is to deactivate the catecholamines epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.

Lithium orotate will increase the methyl donors, which will have an impact on the COMT gene as well as the MTHFR gene.

BENEFITS OF LITHIUM OROTATE:

Reduces Excitotoxicity

1. Effective for Depression

2. Enhanced Memory

3. Enhanced Energy

4. Longevity

5. Stimulate Neuroplasticity

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF LITHIUM OROTATE:

1. Fatigue

2. Intestinal Inflammation (Do not take if have Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis)

3. May Reduce Thyroid Levels

Lithium Orotate was found to be neuroprotective, helping to reduced glutamate induced excitotoxicity. It has also been shown to enhance BDNF, Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor. This is important for not only cognition but allowing neurons to communicate with one another and improving the plasticity of the neuron.

LITHIUM AND ALZHEIMER’S
There have been studies to show its effectiveness on the hippocampus, which is the memory center of the brain. This improvement in cognition and nerve growth could potentially have an impact on Alzheimer’s and Dementia which affects the hippocampus of the brain. Lithium has been shown to protect the brain by increasing a protein called Bc1-2. This protein has been found to protect the brain against Alzheimer’s. Also, it has been shown to decrease the levels of GSK- 3b which allows for the existence of the neurofibrillary tangles.

LITHIUM AND DEPRESSION:
There have been numerous studies linking lithium levels to depression, bipolar and suicide rates. It has been used to help treat conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder. Studies have shown that it can increase serotonin synthesis and decrease norepinephrine.

LITHIUM AND LONGEVITY:
In 2011 a study was published that concluded that low dose lithium promotes longevity. They correlated an increase of lithium in the water supply had a profound effect on anti-aging.

CAN WE GET IT IN OUR DIETS?
Lithium is an element that is naturally occurring in our soil and water supply.
Animal derived foods contain more lithium than plant foods. For example eggs and milk contain the highest amounts. It can also be found in beef, chicken, pork, chees and butter.
Lithium content in plants is the highest in the nightshades. Foods like tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms , cauliflower and asparagus.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend long term dosing of 1-2 mg for longevity.
Do not take if have Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis
I would not recommend taking if pregnant and one should be careful if they are having Thyroid issues.