Lithium has shown promising potential as an anti-aging agent, based on several studies and research findings:
1. Telomere preservation: Long-term lithium treatment has been associated with longer telomere length in patients with bipolar disorder. Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age, so preserving telomere length may slow cellular aging[9][10].
2. Oxidative stress reduction: Lithium has demonstrated the ability to reduce oxidative stress, which is a key factor in the aging process[10][12].
3. Epigenetic effects: Studies have found that lithium may influence epigenetic aging processes, potentially slowing down age-related changes in DNA methylation[10][12].
4. Neuroprotection: Lithium has shown neuroprotective effects, which could help maintain cognitive function with age[9][10].
5. Longevity increase: Analysis of a large observational cohort (UK Biobank) found that therapeutic lithium supplementation was linked to decreased mortality in individuals diagnosed with affective disorders[11].
6. Animal studies: Preclinical models have demonstrated potential anti-aging effects of lithium, although results in mice have been mixed[10][11].
7. Population studies: Higher lithium levels in drinking water have been associated with increased life expectancy and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases in some population studies[9].
However, it’s important to note that most research on lithium’s anti-aging effects has been conducted in the context of bipolar disorder treatment or animal studies. The effects of lithium supplementation for anti-aging purposes in the general population are not yet well-established. Additionally, lithium can have toxic effects at high doses, so any potential use as an anti-aging supplement would require careful dosing and medical supervision[9][11].
While these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand lithium’s potential as an anti-aging agent, determine optimal dosing for anti-aging effects, and evaluate its long-term safety and efficacy in healthy individuals.
Citations:
[1] https://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Capsules-Supplement-Supports-Behavior/dp/B017WNWT60?psc=1&smid=A3CBFC1H348Y1J
[2] https://www.truegether.com/listing.html?id=USER.06661928-137d-4d50-ab23-d1f66eef9999
[3] https://www.amazon.com/KAL-ActivMelt-Chelated-Bioavailability-Balanced/dp/B01HTML27Q?psc=1&smid=A35ALG3YA78R28
[4] https://www.lifeextension.com/vitamins-supplements/item02403/lithium
[5] https://novoslabs.com/product/novos-core/
[6] https://www.vitacost.com/best-naturals-lithium-orotate?CSRC=FGPF-817716018607
[7] https://www.walmart.com/ip/KAL-Lithium-Orotate-5mg-Low-Serving-Of-Chelated-Lithium-Orotate-For-Bioavailability-Mood-Support-In-Organic-Rice-Bran-Extract-Base-60-VegCaps/38425158?selectedSellerId=128447&wmlspartner=wlpa
[8] https://pureprescriptions.com/product/lithium-orotate-pure-encapsulations/?attribute_pa_size=180-capsules
[9] https://www.kcl.ac.uk/archive/news/ioppn/records/2018/december/lithium-might-work-as-an-anti-aging-drug-depending-on-your-genes
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8324565/
[11] https://www.aging-us.com/article/204476/text
[12] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/am/pii/S0304394021004298
[13] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34139318/
[14] Microdosing lithium Lithium | Neurologist Reviews Evidence and Top Brands (youtube.com)