Lithium as a nutrient can be beneficial in people who are stressed and in activating white blood cells, especially those whose white blood cells are suppressed. Lithium carbonate is a prescription medication often prescribed by psychiatrist. However, carbonates are not well absorbed by the body. People who use this form of lithium require regular blood level checks by a physician to avoid toxic levels. Conversely, when the active mineral transporters lithium orotate or lithium arginate are used at recommended doses of 2 to 3 tablets per day blood levels do not need to be checked, since these transporters are providing only small amounts of lithium as nutritional supplements.