Lithium: The Trace Element for Nerve Strength and Immune Balance

24.03.2026 Dr. med. Volker Schmiedel

Lithium, the third element in the periodic table and the lightest metal, has traditionally been classified as a toxic element; however, recent years of physiological research have shown it to be an essential trace element with unexpected effects on morbidity and mortality.

Based on the “law of the minimum,” we can conclude that even slight deficiencies in individual micronutrients can trigger systemic effects. This applies to vitamin D, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and many other nutrients. And, of course, to lithium as well: While the WHO does not classify lithium as essential for humans, its essentiality for animals is recognized.

Criteria for essentiality—such as the occurrence of functional disorders in cases of deficiency and their reversibility through supplementation—may also apply to lithium. Further evidence includes neuropsychiatric changes in deficiency states, selective regulation of tissue concentrations, and its ubiquitous presence in biological organisms. Animal studies also show reproductive disadvantages and a shortened lifespan in cases of lithium deficiency.

Lithium—albeit in high doses close to the toxicity threshold—has long been used in psychiatry, particularly for the treatment of bipolar disorders. In such cases, serum levels range from approximately 0.6 to 1.2 mmol/L. In contrast, significantly lower concentrations—about 100 times lower—are being considered for preventive purposes. Lithium has a wider therapeutic range than, for example, water or table salt. Concentrations in the low microgram-per-liter range (25–350 µg/L) are proposed as a possible preventive target range. [MM1] [VS2] [VS3] Population-based studies, however, show average plasma levels of only about 1 µg/L.

Epidemiological data provide key evidence for potential health effects of low-level lithium exposure in the milligram range:

Higher lithium concentrations in drinking water correlate with lower suicide rates and reduced psychiatric hospitalizations.
Meta-analyses have shown a significantly reduced risk of suicide with improved lithium intake.
Lower rates of depressive symptoms and aggressive behavior were also observed.
In addition, inverse associations were found with crime, dementia incidence, and overall mortality, as well as evidence of increased life expectancy.

These findings are predominantly correlational but point to a consistent epidemiological trend.
Experimental and clinical studies support these observations. Lithium acts primarily by inhibiting GSK-3 kinase, a key enzyme involved in metabolic regulation, inflammatory processes, neuroplasticity, and cell survival. This results in potential effects such as anti-inflammatory actions, promotion of neurogenesis, activation of neurotrophic factors (NGF, BDNF), and influence on telomere length and cellular aging processes. Observational data suggest possible benefits for bone metabolism, immune response, and longevity, although causal evidence remains limited.

A major focus is on neurodegenerative diseases. A recent Nature publication describes lithium deficiency as a possible factor in early Alzheimer’s pathogenesis: reduced lithium availability in the cortex was associated with increased amyloid and tau pathologies, neuroinflammatory processes, and synaptic loss. In animal models, a lithium-deficient diet impaired cognitive development, while lithium orotate demonstrated protective effects. Clinical trials using microdoses reported stabilization of cognitive performance in Alzheimer’s patients.

Additional intervention data pertain to psychiatric disorders: In randomized trials, lithium significantly reduced self-harm, suicide, and overall mortality in patients with affective disorders. There is also evidence of anxiolytic and antidepressant effects at low doses, as well as potential benefits in inflammatory diseases, including exploratory studies on COVID-19.

Globally, there is an undersupply in the population, as low environmental concentrations are widespread—with a few exceptions, such as volcanic regions. Therefore, an individually monitored approach with blood level measurements is recommended, particularly for preventive or therapeutic applications. This applies to everyone—but especially to “high-risk patients” with psychiatric, neurological, or inflammatory conditions.

Public interest in this new preventive and therapeutic option is immense, which is why therapists practicing a holistic approach should definitely acquire professional expertise in lithium.

Lithium: The Trace Element for Nerve Strength and Immune Balance