Unlike essential nutrients like vitamin C, calcium, or iron, lithium is not officially recognized as essential by the US government. As a result, there is currently no recommended dietary allowance or daily value established for lithium. Because lithium is not classified as essential:

• It is not listed on food or supplement labels
• It is excluded from national nutrition surveys
• Medical professionals rarely consider lithium intake in dietary assessments or mental health strategies

Despite this, emerging research suggests that lithium plays a vital role in brain function, emotional stability, and mental health.

Lithium Deficiency In The US Population

Most Americans consume only 10 to 200 micrograms (mcg) of lithium per day — far below the proposed nutritional requirement of 1,000 mcg per day.

In the US, the mean intake is 37.4 mcg/day.

• In New York, intake ranged from 90 to 1,390 mcg/day
• In San Diego, it ranged from 313 to 545 mcg/day

Lithium Deficiency Around The World

A global comparison highlights similar deficiencies in many countries.

Lithium In Drinking Water And Mental Health Outcomes

Ecological studies across several countries have shown that even trace levels of lithium in drinking water are associated with:

• Lower suicide rates

• Reduced aggression

• Fewer psychiatric hospitalizations

For example, a study in Japanese adolescents found that low lithium levels in tap water were linked to increased rates of psychotic experiences and distress.

Lithium And Suicide: Consistent Global Findings

A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis covering 13 environmental studies and over 3.7 million people concluded that higher lithium levels in drinking water are significantly associated with lower suicide rates.

A negative correlation was observed in ten studies that included Texas, Japan, Austria, Greece, and Lithuania: lower levels of lithium in water were associated with higher risk of suicide. 

Texas Water & Suicide Statistics

One of the first studies to examine lithium and mental health was conducted in Texas. Researchers compared counties with high lithium levels (123 mcg/L) and low lithium levels (5 mcg/L).

*cases annually per 100,000 people

Cases of suicide, homicide, and drug-related arrests were higher in counties with lower lithium level in water.

A Small Mineral, A Big Impact

Lithium may not be listed on nutrition labels, but the evidence is growing: it plays a vital role in mental well-being. With widespread deficiencies documented around the world, addressing this gap could be a powerful step toward better brain health.

If you're curious about safe, low-dose ways to support your emotional balance and cognitive function, take a look at Normotim — a gentle lithium supplement designed with mental wellness in mind.