The risk of intentional abuse of the supplement or accidental poisoning due to interaction in the gastrointestinal tract or as a result of reduced Li of lithium from the body (low-sodium diet, renal failure) also constitutes an obstacle to increasing the intake of this element at a population level [ 46, 89]. Higher doses of Li could potentially lead to exacerbation of symptoms of some diseases, e.g., psoriasis in sensitive individuals [ 90]. It is also relevant to consider the possible side effects of low-dose Li on the functioning of the thyroid gland and kidneys, as well as on pregnancy and fetal development, although the risk of low-dose teratogenicity is considered to be relatively low [ 7, 74]. Knudsen NN, Schullehner J, Hansen B, Jørgensen LF, Kristiansen SM, Voutchkova DD, Gerds TA, Andersen PK, Bihrmann K, Grønbæk M, Kessing LV, Ersbøll AK (2017) Lithium in drinking water and incidence of suicide: a nationwide individual-level cohort study with 22 years of follow-up. Int J Environ Res Public Health 14:627

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Kavanagh L, Keohane J, Cleary J, Cabellos GG, Lloyd A (2017) Lithium in the natural waters of the south east of Ireland. Int J Environ Res Public Health 14:561 Elimination of Li from the body occurs within 24 h after its oral intake and is facilitated by the kidneys. To a small extent (2–3%), it is also excreted with feces and sweat [ 23, 45, 46]. The rate of elimination depends on its concentration in plasma, which is proportional to its daily intake. The amount of Li excreted with urine serves as an indicator of the supply of this element [ 10, 44]. In addition, Li excretion depends on the glomerular filtration rate, and can therefore be reduced with age and in renal disease (e.g., chronic renal failure) [ 10]. Typical range of Li concentration falls within 4.6–219 μg/L limits [ 44, 47], and according to some observations, it remains in significant relation to its concentration in the consumed water [ 10]. Długaszek M, Kurpiewska Ż, Mierczyk J (2015) Lithium content in the tea and herbal infusions. Eur Food Res Technol 241:289–293 Lieu C.A., Dewey C.M., Chinta S.J., Rane A., Rajagopalan S., Batir S., Kim Y.H., Andersen J.K. Lithium prevents parkinsonian behavioral and striatal phenotypes in an aged parkin mutant transgenic mouse model. Brain Res. 2014; 1591:111–117. [ PMC free article] [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] Testing is not usually needed for those taking ionic lithium or plant-based lithium supplements, as these levels are similar to what we get through food and water. Those who are taking higher doses of lithium orotate may need to monitor blood levels and should work with a medical provider. Small but Mighty: Harnessing The Power of Low Dose Lithium

Schulz J., Pagano G., Fernandez Bonfante J.A., Wilson H., Politis M. Nucleus basalis of Meynert degeneration precedes and predicts cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. Brain. 2018; 141:1501–1516. [ PMC free article] [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] Kszos LA, Beauchamp JJ, Stewart AJ (2003) Toxicity of lithium to three freshwater organisms and the antagonistic effect of sodium. Ecotoxicol 2003(12):427–437 Lithium is a trace element whose use in human health has been increasingly recognized. While its best-known role is that of supporting mood, lithium has recently been recognized as having the ability to play a role in maintaining cognitive function. 1,2 dCenter for Biomedical Imaging, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States Lithium is not metabolized, and is eliminated through the kidneys within 48 hours. The expected lithium orotate half-life is around 24 hours. Lithium Orotate vs. Lithium CarbonateThe spectroscopic evidence for the neuroprotective effects of Li in clinical populations is much less consistent than in the preclinical data. Prospective studies have predominantly shown no changes in brain NAA levels during Li treatment. 8 – 11 A single prospective study reported a small NAA increase after 4 weeks of Li treatment, 3 whereas another investigation found an NAA decrease after 6 weeks of Li exposure. 12 Cross-sectional studies have also been inconsistent, with reports of greater 13 , 14 as well as comparable 15 – 17 brain NAA levels in Li-treated versus control participants.