Lithium | Neurologist Reviews Evidence and Top Brands

In this video, I discuss the clinical evidence for low dose lithium supplementation with regard to its affects on cognition, mood, and the aging process. I also discuss how to choose the right form and dose of lithium, safety of lithium supplementation, as well as high quality brands that have been assessed for quality and safety.

00:00 - Introduction
02:20 - Is Lithium Essential to Human Health?
03:40 - How Lithium Affects the Brain
05:22 - Clinical evidence for Mood and Cognition
07:47 - Clinical evidence for Lithium's Anti-Aging Properties
10:20 - Safety Concerns?
11:16 - Which form of Lithium is Optimal for Microdosing?
12:40 - How much lithium to take?
13:19 - High Quality Brands

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DISCLAIMER:
This video is provided as an informational resource only, and does not create a patient-physician relationship. This video does not constitute medical advice and is not an alternative to medical advice from your physician. Please speak with your physician before starting any supplement.
This video reflects my personal opinions and does not constitute product recommendations. Brand information is accurate as of March, 2024 and any data beyond this date is not included. Products listed hold a Natural Medicines Brand Evidence-based Rating (NMBER) of 7/10 or higher. Please be aware that supplements are not FDA-reviewed, and their safety is not guaranteed. Use supplements at your discretion and risk.

[wendycarter]

How refreshing ! A commonsense presentation of the facts . No hysteria, just information !! Thank you !!!

[AnnaFB]

I’ve been taking low-dose lithium for the last 10 years. My mother had Alzheimer’s, and I was always doing research on the subject. I came up upon early research on this topic and asked my psychiatrist to prescribe the drug. Of course, I don’t know at the moment, whether it will prevent Alzheimer’s, but I am willing to take the chance.

[rdmckeever]

Thanks. Very interesting video. I found the full article & your summary was spot on. There were conflicting studies of Lithium in drinking water & mental health effects back in the 1970s when some proposed adding it to urban water supplies (similar to fluoridation). Seems like research stalled for many years after that. LDL is an area that definitely deserves more research funding...

[CarolJoyable]

Thank you so much for this information!
About two years ago my psychiatrist suggested the Pure brand for 1mg a day. I’m happy to know I’ve been using a better brand.
I appreciate your videos, thank you again!

[jakec]

At 4:17 you mention inhibitory effects on dopamine, how significant is this? Do those taking lithium experience notable decreases in motivation ?
Thanks

[MarcCardwell]

I'm 61 and never considered taking low dose Li, but I just ordered some. I've had depression issues all my life it seems, I'm probably on the spectrum too. Dad has dementia and I'm worried about my brain health. Hoping to see a difference in 2 months!

[pnutbuttajellee]

I thought for sure you were going to explain lithium is an alkali metal or a mineral. The Orotate type definitely helps my anxiety, and helps me relax and sleep better. Magnesium taurate is a good combo

[Mike-mpp]

Enjoyed the blurb about 7up, lovely content!

[roxyiconoclast]

Thanks so much for this video, especially the more recent research citations. My husband and I had been taking lithium orotate, but a different brand from the ones you listed. When taking a supplement for long-term benefit like reducing Alzheimer’s risk, it’s impossible to know whether it’s working. At least now we can have more confidence. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[desertmoon]

Dr. Without espousing as to why, I wanted to thank you for this video. Your presentation is outstanding and, blessedly, without the sensationalism that so many other presenters tend to have. Thank you for a very balanced overview of the subject matter.

[primordialmeow]

RN here. Such well delivered teaching vid Dr. Encouraged me to do more research. Thank you.

[BLUESKYX]

Good job Anna. As a multidisciplinary scientist in many countries for numerous years, I have a passion for studying our brain-mind (which includes meditation, Tai Chi, mindfulness etc practices, and of course other brain-related sciences), and I concur with your presentation.

[kennywilliams]

this video on lithium is excellent thank you for producing and sharing it with us on YouTube as a result I will now become a subscriber

[ScottCousland]

A good food source of lithium is alfalfa.

When I began using hair trace elements analysis in my healing practice I tested my hair and found my lithium levels off the chart.

I had been chewing 25 alfalfa tablets daily for years. I began taking them as part of a vegan cleansing diet back in the late 90s, and continued taking them after I went back to being an omnivore because I love the taste, specifically the tablets made by Bernard Jensen.

After seeing my lab results I reduced to 5 tablets daily. A few months later I retested my hair and lithium had come down into the normal range. (I weigh 200 lbs).

[vitamin]

omw to have a snack from the recycled batteries bin at my work

[pambennett]

I once had a hair analysis done, and I had zero lithium. The naturopath said that is odd. I didn't know there were supplements for it. That was twenty five years ago... I'll give this a shot! I have a lot of trouble sleeping

[timmyvawwter]

Thank you so very much for your time and effort to produce this wonderful video.

[keithrichard]

Well said..I could not have said it any better!

[myrrhsolace]

lithium is a mineral which is said to be deficient in our soil in the USA — why is it treated like a drug rather than like any other mineral?

[NikkiTrudelle]

I’m so happy, cuz today I found my friends. They’re In my head.