Lithium supplements: what they are and why people try them

A tiny mineral shows up in soil, some tap water and a few supplements — lithium. You may have heard that areas with low levels of lithium in drinking water had higher suicide rates. That observation drove interest in low‑dose lithium as a mood and brain‑health supplement. People take it for stable mood, brain support, or simply because they read about those population studies. But overhyped marketing can blur the real facts. Here’s clear, practical info so you can decide whether to ask a clinician about it.

Types, typical doses and how they differ from prescription lithium

There are two categories you should know: prescription lithium salts (lithium carbonate, lithium citrate) and over‑the‑counter supplements (mainly lithium orotate or small elemental lithium tablets). Prescription lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder and requires high doses, blood tests and close medical follow‑up. Supplements usually deliver a tiny amount of elemental lithium — commonly around 1–5 mg per tablet — while prescription pills supply hundreds of milligrams of elemental lithium. That gap matters: supplements are not an alternative to prescription therapy for bipolar disorder or severe mood instability.

If you’re curious about supplements, start by checking the label: it should state the amount of elemental lithium. Brands and formulations vary, so don’t assume equal strength across products. People often take low daily doses (single-digit mg) when using lithium supplements. Still, consistent use over months is what some studies and reports refer to when suggesting possible benefits.

What the evidence says and realistic expectations

Population studies linking trace lithium in water to lower suicide and better mood are interesting but observational — they don’t prove cause and effect. Small clinical trials of low‑dose lithium show mixed results: some hint at mood or neuroprotective effects, others find no clear benefit. Think of supplements as experimental and modest at best. If you expect a dramatic, fast change, that’s unlikely at the tiny doses in supplements.

Also know the difference between short‑term curiosity and long‑term use. If you try a lithium supplement for a few weeks and don’t notice anything, stop and reassess. If you plan to use it long term, involve a healthcare provider to monitor safety.

Safety matters: even tiny lithium can interact with medications (diuretics, NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors) and affect thyroid or kidney function over time. Don’t combine a supplement with prescription lithium. If you have kidney disease, thyroid issues, or take blood‑pressure or heart meds, check with your doctor first. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid self‑medicating with lithium without medical advice.

Bottom line: lithium supplements are low‑dose, experimental tools some people try for mood or brain support. They’re not a substitute for prescribed lithium when that’s needed, and they require thought about interactions and monitoring. Talk with your clinician, read labels for elemental lithium, and keep expectations realistic.