From the Guidelines
Humans do not need lithium as an essential nutrient for normal bodily functions. While lithium is a naturally occurring element found in trace amounts in the human body, it is not considered an essential mineral like calcium, potassium, or magnesium. The body does not require lithium supplementation for healthy physiological functioning. However, lithium does have important medical applications as a medication, particularly in the form of lithium carbonate or lithium citrate, which are prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.
Medical Applications of Lithium
When used medically, typical dosages range from 600-1800 mg daily, carefully monitored through blood tests to maintain therapeutic levels (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) while avoiding toxicity. These medications work by stabilizing neural activity and affecting neurotransmitter systems in the brain, particularly impacting sodium transport and second messenger systems that regulate mood.
Key Points to Consider
- Lithium may reduce the risk for suicide in patients with unipolar depression or bipolar disorder, as several cohort studies and systematic reviews found that lithium maintenance therapy was associated with fewer suicidal behaviors and deaths 1.
- The use of lithium in treating bipolar disorder in children and adolescents has been studied, with some positive results, although the evidence is limited by small sample sizes and diagnostic variability 1.
- Despite its therapeutic uses in psychiatry, lithium is not something the general population needs to supplement or consume intentionally for health purposes.
Important Considerations for Lithium Use
Some key points to consider when using lithium as a medication include:
- Careful monitoring of blood levels to maintain therapeutic levels and avoid toxicity
- Potential interactions with other medications
- Importance of regular follow-up with a healthcare provider to assess efficacy and adjust treatment as needed
- Potential benefits of lithium in reducing suicidal ideation and behavior in patients with bipolar disorder or unipolar depression 1
From the Research
Human Requirement for Lithium
- Lithium is not considered an essential nutrient for humans, but low intakes have been associated with increased rates of suicide, homicide, and other psycho-behavioral disorders 2.
- Some studies suggest that lithium may play a role in maintaining mental health, and a provisional recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 1.0 mg/day for a 70 kg adult has been proposed 3.
Dietary Intake of Lithium
- The dietary intake of lithium varies widely depending on location and the type of food consumed, with primary sources being grains and vegetables 3.
- Lithium contents of soils are also variable, and the metal has high mobility in soils, making it prone to leaching and available for plant uptake 2.
- Biofortification of crops with lithium may be a viable option to increase dietary intake, but more research is needed to refine methods and determine optimal application rates 2.
Lithium in Bipolar Disorder Treatment
- Lithium is commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, particularly for acute mania and as a prophylactic agent to prevent manic and depressive episodes 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that lithium can be effective in treating bipolar disorder, with remission rates comparable to those of valproate 5.
- The bioequivalence of salivary and blood levels of lithium has been established, making salivary testing a reliable and non-invasive method for monitoring lithium availability 6.