Product name: Lithium orotate

CAS: 5266-20-6

Molecular formula: C5H5LiN2O5

Molecular weight: 180.04

Description: Lithium orotate, is a salt of orotic acid and lithium. It is available as the monohydrate, LiC5H3N2O4·H2O. In this compound, lithium is non-covalently bound to an orotate ion, rather than to a carbonate or other ion. It is marketed as a dietary supplement used in small doses to treat certain medical conditions, such as stress, bipolar disorder, depression, suicidal ideations, alcoholism, ADHD, attention deficit disorder, aggression, PTSD, Alzheimer's and to improve memory. Intake of lithium has well documented positive neurological effects, and appears to be effective even in trace amounts.

While lithium orotate is capable of providing lithium to the body, like lithium carbonate and other lithium salts, there are no systematic reviews supporting the efficacy of lithium orotate and it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of any medical condition. A 1979 study drew the mistaken conclusion that its use may in fact be harmful to kidney function compared to lithium carbonate.