Ingredient
Lithium
What is Lithium?
Lithium is a naturally occurring mineral found in trace amounts in water sources and certain foods. It is commonly extracted from mineral springs, rock deposits, or brine pools. In dietary products, lithium is often used in the form of lithium chloride or lithium orotate.
Lithium is included in some hydration products and supplements because some studies suggest it may help support mood stabilization and cognitive function. However, the use and effects of lithium at low doses remain a topic of scientific research, as most existing data is derived from higher therapeutic doses used in medications.
When you see lithium on a label, it's important to know that its intended purpose in food products is often related to trace nutrient supplementation. Its safety and efficacy in this context haven't been as comprehensively studied as its medical use at therapeutic doses.
Commonly found in: hydration products, electrolyte supplements, mineral waters
What to watch
- Lithium can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea in high doses.
Benefits
- Low-dose lithium in water has been linked to decreased suicide rates in some epidemiological studies.
Lithium is not approved by the FDA as a nutrient supplement, though it is regulated when used as a medication at higher doses.
Research indicates that lithium may have mood benefits at low doses, but findings are not conclusive without more studies at dietary levels.
Lithium is a mineral and not derived from animal sources, so it is typically considered vegan-friendly.
Sources: Lithium as a Nutrient
Scout's take
Lithium detected at trace level (12.6 µg/L), well below typical safety concerns.
More from Scout's analyses
Lithium is a trace mineral that has been shown to have mood-stabilizing properties and may support cognitive health. It is naturally occurring and present in trace amounts, which are generally considered safe. Lithium may play a role in neuroprotection and mental health.
from the analysis of NOW Trace Minerals Mineral Concentrate Original glass bottleBeneficial ingredient — whole-food or functional value in this product class.
from the analysis of Premier Research Labs Premier pH Minerals Ionic Mineral Concentrate glass bottleFound in 5 products
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