Lithium

Lithium is a naturally occurring alkali metal and trace mineral found in soil, rocks, and drinking water. While it is famously used in high-dose pharmaceutical forms (like lithium carbonate) to treat bipolar disorder, it is increasingly utilized in health and wellness as a low-dose supplement, typically in the form of Lithium Orotate. This form combines lithium with orotic acid, which is believed to enhance its bioavailability and allow it to cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently than other salts. Recent research from 2025, including a landmark study published in Nature, has repositioned lithium not just as a psychiatric tool, but as an 'essential' micronutrient for brain aging and cognitive resilience.