Meta Information

ID:lithium-carbonate

Name:Lithium Carbonate

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Lithium
• Lithium Orotate

Active Compound

Lithium

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Regulatory Status

• us:rx_drug
• eu:rx_drug
• us:dietary_supplement

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Investigated for its potential to promote longevity and neuroprotection at low doses by inhibiting GSK-3β and modulating autophagy.

Typical Protocol

• Healthspan protocols typically involve low doses, ranging from 300 micrograms to 5 milligrams of elemental lithium daily.
• These doses are significantly lower than the therapeutic doses (e.g., 600-1200 mg) used for psychiatric conditions.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

5

High Cost:

20

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Low-dose supplement forms are very inexpensive; prescription versions are often covered by insurance.

Summary

Lithium, at low doses, is proposed to promote healthspan by inhibiting the enzyme GSK-3β, a key regulator in multiple aging pathways. This inhibition may enhance autophagy, reduce inflammation, and provide neuroprotective effects. Epidemiological studies correlate trace amounts of lithium in drinking water with increased longevity and better mental health outcomes in populations.

Purpose

A mineral investigated for neuroprotection and longevity at low doses.

Card Summary

A mineral salt used clinically for mood disorders, now explored in low doses for potential neuroprotective and longevity benefits by modulating key aging pathways.

Drug Class

lithium

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

3.5

Justification:

Promising mechanisms and observational data, but lacks human RCTs for healthspan outcomes.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Strong epidemiological correlations and animal data, but no direct human longevity trials.

Safety

Score:

3.8

Justification:

Low-dose protocols appear safe, but high therapeutic doses carry significant kidney and thyroid risks.

Flags

• The distinction between high-dose prescription use and low-dose supplement use is critical for safety.
• High therapeutic doses require regular blood monitoring due to a narrow therapeutic index.
• Long-term use at clinical doses is associated with risks of kidney and thyroid dysfunction.
• Interacts with diuretics, NSAIDs, and ACE inhibitors, which can dangerously increase lithium levels.

Verdict

A promising but unproven low-dose strategy for potential neuroprotection and longevity.

Created

2026-05-06T18:39:49.891670Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)