Lithium, but Not as You Know It: Depression and Cognitive Improvements in Young Adults Receiving Lithium Ascorbate

The study evaluated whether a vitamin–mineral complex containing vitamins B1, B6, C, and lithium ascorbate (Normotim) affected emotional state, cognitive performance, and nutrient status in young adults. Sixty volunteers were divided into two groups of 30. The intervention group took one Normotim tablet three times daily for 4 weeks, while the control group received no vitamin–mineral supplementation. Participants were assessed at baseline and day 30. After 4 weeks, the intervention group showed improvements in visual, auditory, and motor memory indices. For example, the visual memory index changed from 9.40 ± 2.07 to 2.44 ± 0.75, and the auditory memory index from 9.58 ± 1.22 to 4.17 ± 0.70. Depression and anxiety measures also improved. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score decreased from 9.66 ± 0.88 at baseline to 6.35 ± 0.74 by day 30 in the intervention group, while HADS anxiety and depression scores decreased to 4.81 ± 0.49 and 5.46 ± 0.37, respectively. Control-group scores reportedly did not change substantially. Baseline vitamin B1, B6, C, and lithium deficiency scores were elevated. After supplementation, deficiency scores declined for lithium and all three vitamins.