It is marketed as a dietary supplement, though it has been researched minimally between 1973–1986 to treat certain medical conditions, such as alcoholism[2] and Alzheimer's disease.

[13] These concerns were likely based on the results of the use of excessively high concentrations of lithium orotate in the studies.

As a result of these concerns, the clinical application and research of lithium orotate were halted for decades since the 1980s.

[13] The renewed interest is largely due to its purported ability to achieve higher serum and brain lithium-ion (Li+) concentrations than those observed from equivalent doses of lithium carbonate, a claim first made in 1978.

[19] Although lithium orotate was not shown to be genotoxic,[20] short and long term studies must be performed to guarantee public safety.