From the Research
Lithium orotate is not effectively absorbed through the skin, and topical application is not a reliable method for delivering therapeutic amounts of lithium into the bloodstream. Lithium compounds, including lithium orotate, have poor skin penetration due to their ionic nature and water solubility, which prevents them from easily crossing the lipid-rich skin barrier 1. For therapeutic purposes, lithium is typically administered orally as lithium carbonate or lithium citrate to ensure proper absorption through the digestive system and consistent blood levels 2.
Some key points to consider:
- Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, and improper dosing can lead to serious side effects or toxicity 3
- Self-administration of lithium in any form, including topical application, is not recommended without regular blood monitoring to maintain safe therapeutic levels 4
- Lithium orotate has been marketed as a supplemental source of lithium with few recorded adverse events, but its potential toxicity has been investigated in preclinical studies, which found no toxicity or target organs at doses up to 400 mg/kg body weight/day 1
If you're considering lithium for any health condition, it should be taken orally as prescribed by a healthcare provider, with regular blood monitoring to maintain safe therapeutic levels. The use of lithium in mood disorders has been well-established, and it remains the gold standard for the prevention of recurrences in bipolar mood disorder 3. However, the administration of lithium should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider to minimize the risk of adverse effects and ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.