Lithium aspartate

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Lithium aspartate

0Lithium aspartate is a salt of aspartic acid and lithium. It is often used as a dietary supplement and is marketed as a treatment for bipolar disorder, although its efficacy for this purpose is not well-established.

Chemistry[edit | edit source]

Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal. Under standard conditions, it is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. Aspartic acid (symbol Asp or D) is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), and a side chain CH2COOH, making it a polar, negatively charged molecule at physiological pH.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Lithium aspartate is often used as a dietary supplement, although its efficacy for this purpose is not well-established. It is also marketed as a treatment for bipolar disorder, but there is limited evidence to support this use.

Safety[edit | edit source]

The safety of lithium aspartate is not well-studied. It is known that lithium can have serious side effects, including kidney damage, thyroid problems, and neurological side effects. It is recommended that individuals considering taking lithium aspartate consult with a healthcare provider.

See also[edit | edit source]




Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD