Lithium is a naturally occurring element that enters the body through food and water in trace amounts. At these low levels, it does not pose a safety concern. In fact, dietary intake may be insufficient.

Lithium levels in food and water vary by geographic region. For example, tap water in eastern U.S. states such as Florida, New Jersey, and Virginia tends to have lower lithium concentrations compared with western states.

Lithium is one of the essential trace elements, similar to magnesium and calcium, that support bone, brain, cardiovascular, and metabolic health. Because lithium modulates multiple biological pathways and interacts with numerous proteins, researchers are investigating whether different doses may help with conditions such as cognitive decline, stroke recovery, and diabetes.

A suggested daily intake is around 1 mg of lithium, but typical diets may not fully meet this level. Some people choose to take lithium supplements, such as lithium carbonate or lithium orotate. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended in this case.

If considering a lithium supplement, choose one supported by safety and efficacy data, such as lithium ascorbate.

Science Sources:

• Lithium: Perspectives of nutritional beneficence, dietary intake, biogeochemistry, and biofortification of vegetables and mushrooms

• Cancer Risk and Estimated Lithium Exposure in Drinking Groundwater in the US

• Lithium: how low can you go?

• Lithium Content and Its Nutritional Beneficence, Dietary Intake, and Impact on Human Health in Edibles from the Romanian Market

• Relationship between suicide mortality and lithium in drinking water: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Read Next:

• Discover What Lower Doses of Lithium Do

• Can Food Give You Enough Lithium?

• Lithium Is Essential For Human Health