From Patent Medicine to Mineral Water: The Story of Lithium in Drinks
Lithium is a naturally occurring element present in rocks and soil, and it finds its way into both our food and water supplies. While many people associate it with its therapeutic use as a mood-stabilizing medication for conditions like bipolar disorder, its history in beverages is a fascinating tale that dates back to the late 19th century. The story of lithium in beverages is a great example of how our understanding of nutrition and medicine has evolved, moving from a health-craze ingredient to a trace mineral found in nature.
The Historical Connection: 7 Up and 'Lithia' Beverages
For a time, lithium was celebrated for its purported health benefits, a notion that led to the development of numerous 'lithia' drinks. The most famous example is undoubtedly 7 Up.
- Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda: The original name of 7 Up, launched just weeks before the stock market crash in 1929, explicitly advertised its lithium content.
- Lithia Springs Water: The water from Lithia Springs in Georgia was a well-known source, leading to various bottled 'Lithia' water brands that were sold widely across the US.
- 7 Up Removal: The addition of lithium citrate to soft drinks was eventually banned by the FDA in 1948 following adverse health reports related to lithium chloride, a salt substitute that had caused fatalities. The company removed lithium from the recipe, and the drink became the 7 Up we know today.
This historical period highlights a time when health claims were far less regulated, and ingredients with potential therapeutic effects were added to consumer products without the strict oversight and dosage control that exists today.
Modern Sources: Where to Find Trace Lithium Today
While you won't find lithium in your modern soft drink, it is naturally present in our water supplies and, in turn, influences the composition of many other beverages.
- Natural Mineral Water: This is one of the most reliable sources of naturally occurring lithium in a beverage. Because mineral waters are bottled at the source, their mineral content, including lithium, depends entirely on the geochemistry of the region. Studies in Europe, for instance, have shown a wide range of lithium concentrations, with some brands notably richer in the element than others. For example, studies on Portuguese bottled mineral waters have shown some brands contain lithium levels exceeding 1500 µg/L, while others contain very little.
- Tap Water: The lithium content in tap water is directly linked to the local geology and the groundwater source. Regions with lithium-bearing mineral deposits or where water mixes with saline brines tend to have higher concentrations. The levels vary significantly by location, but studies have indicated that, on average, the daily intake from drinking water is often low.
- Wine and Beer: Since water is a primary ingredient in these drinks, trace amounts of lithium can be present, reflecting the water source used in production. A German study found average lithium levels of 17 ppb in red wine and 8 ppb in white wine, illustrating that trace amounts persist through the production process.
- Juices and Teas: Similarly, fruit juices and infusions like tea contain trace minerals derived from the fruits or leaves and the water used during preparation. A 2024 study on Romanian beverages found average lithium concentrations of 7.11 µg/L in fruit juices, but levels can vary widely.
Comparing Lithium Levels in Beverages
The following table provides a general comparison of lithium levels in different beverages. Note that these figures are averages and can vary significantly depending on the specific source, brand, or geographical location.
| Beverage Category | Typical Lithium Level | Bioavailability | Factors Influencing Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Mineral Water | Highly variable, from low µg/L to >1500 µg/L | High and dose-dependent | Local geology of the spring |
| Tap Water | Highly variable, often low µg/L range | High | Regional geology, groundwater source |
| Red Wine | Average ~17 µg/L (study dependent) | Modulated by other components | Soil geochemistry, production methods |
| Beer | Average ~7–8 µg/L (study dependent) | Modulated by other components | Water source, demineralization process |
| Fruit Juice | Average ~7 µg/L (study dependent) | Modulated by food matrix | Soil content, fruit type, water source |
| 7 Up (Historical) | ~5 mg/L of lithium citrate | High (intentionally added) | Formulation as a patent medicine |
Trace Lithium vs. Therapeutic Lithium: A Crucial Distinction
It is vital to understand the vast difference between the trace amounts of lithium found in food and drinks and the controlled, high doses used as medication. Therapeutic doses for bipolar disorder, for example, typically range from 600–1200 mg of lithium carbonate per day, with blood levels carefully monitored by a doctor due to a narrow therapeutic window.
In contrast, the daily intake from dietary sources like food and water is estimated to be in the microgram range (0.5–3.1 mg per day, according to some studies). While some research has correlated higher natural lithium levels in drinking water with certain health benefits, such as lower suicide rates, these are epidemiological studies and do not prove a causal link. The effects of chronic low-dose lithium are still under investigation, and its official status as an essential micronutrient is not yet established.
It is critical not to confuse these low-level, dietary sources with therapeutic lithium. Taking high-dose lithium supplements or consuming large amounts of lithium-rich foods and beverages without medical supervision can lead to serious side effects, including kidney and thyroid problems. Anyone considering lithium for mental health should only do so under the care of a qualified healthcare provider.
How to Safely Maximize Your Natural Lithium Intake
If you are interested in ensuring you get adequate trace minerals, including lithium, through your diet, the best approach is through diverse, whole foods. The body naturally obtains most of its trace lithium from sources like cereals, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Drinking natural mineral waters from specific geological regions can contribute, but it is not necessary for most people. A balanced diet rich in plant-based foods, along with regular tap or mineral water consumption, is sufficient for most individuals. There are no official dietary guidelines for lithium, and supplements should be approached with caution and medical advice.
Conclusion
The perception of lithium has come a long way since the days of 'lithiated' soft drinks and patent medicines. The key takeaway is that while no mainstream beverage is purposely enriched with therapeutic doses of lithium, trace amounts are naturally present in our water supplies and can be found in varying quantities in mineral water, tap water, wine, and other drinks. However, the intake from these sources is minimal compared to pharmacological doses. For most people, a well-rounded diet provides a safe level of trace lithium, with no need for specialized beverages or supplements. The story serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between natural elements, nutrition, and medicine throughout history.
Key Outbound Link
For more technical information on lithium in drinking water, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's technical fact sheet on the topic. EPA Technical Fact Sheet: Lithium in Drinking Water
