The Historical Connection to Soda and Patent Medicines
For many, the idea of a drink containing lithium immediately brings to mind the historical formulation of 7 Up. When it was first introduced in 1929, the lemon-lime soda was actually named "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda". The "lithiated" part of its name came from the inclusion of lithium citrate, a mood-stabilizing drug. The drink was marketed as a health tonic and a cure for hangovers. However, the inclusion of lithium in beverages was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1948, leading to its removal from the 7 Up recipe.
This trend was not unique to 7 Up. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many lithium-enriched drinks and products were sold, often claiming health benefits. Examples include Lithia Coke, made with Coca-Cola syrup and lithium-bearing water, and Lithia Beer. This practice stemmed from a fascination with the supposed healing properties of natural lithium springs, which people had visited for centuries.
The Primary Source Today: Mineral Water
In the modern era, the most significant source of lithium from a beverage is certain bottled mineral and spring waters, where the mineral occurs naturally. The concentration varies widely depending on the water's source, with some regions having much higher levels than others.
- Lithia Springs, Georgia: While historic, water from this famous spring is still bottled and sold, naturally containing lithium.
- San Pellegrino: This Italian mineral water contains trace amounts of lithium (around 0.12 ppm).
- Gerolsteiner: A German mineral water sourced from the volcanic Eifel region, it naturally contains a moderate amount of lithium.
- High-Lithium Mineral Waters: Studies have identified mineral waters with particularly high lithium content, such as Perling from Germany, which has shown concentrations significantly higher than average.
- Tap Water: The lithium content of public drinking water varies geographically, depending on the local geology and water source. Studies have found wide ranges in tap water, with some areas naturally having higher concentrations than others.
Trace Amounts in Everyday Beverages
Beyond mineral water, many common drinks contain extremely small, almost negligible, amounts of lithium. A 2020 study from Germany analyzed the lithium content of numerous beverages, providing a clearer picture of its distribution. The amounts are far too small to have any therapeutic or health effect.
Comparison of Lithium Content in Different Beverages
| Beverage Category | Average Lithium Content (µg/L) | Primary Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Water | ~108 | Natural mineral springs | Varies greatly by brand and source; some contain much higher levels. |
| Energy Drinks | ~24 | Water source, processing | Averages for German brands; one product (Acai 28 Black) showed higher levels. |
| Wine (Red) | ~17 | Grapes grown in lithium-rich soil | Levels can differ based on grape variety and region. |
| Wine (White) | ~14 | Grapes grown in lithium-rich soil | Generally contains less than red wine, but varies significantly. |
| Beer | ~8.5 | Water used for brewing | Lower values explained by demineralization in production. |
| Soft Drinks | ~10 | Water source, processing | Overall average; specific brands have very low, trace amounts. |
| Tea | ~2.8 | Tea leaves, water used for brewing | Contains very low levels, as shown in studies. |
| Coffee | ~0.1 | Coffee beans, water used for brewing | Extremely low content, among the lowest measured. |
Trace vs. Therapeutic Lithium: A Critical Distinction
The difference between the trace amounts of lithium found naturally in drinks and the pharmacological doses used in medicine is immense. Therapeutic lithium, typically prescribed as lithium carbonate, is used to treat severe mood disorders like bipolar disorder and requires careful medical monitoring due to its potential side effects. A standard daily therapeutic dose is thousands of times higher than the amount an individual would consume from natural dietary sources. For example, a high-lithium mineral water might contain around 1,600 µg/L, while a therapeutic dose can be 600–1,200 mg/day (or 600,000–1,200,000 µg/day). Relying on mineral water for mental health benefits is not advisable and is no substitute for medical advice.
Is the Lithium in Drinking Water Safe?
For the vast majority of the population, the trace amounts of naturally occurring lithium in drinking water are considered safe. The human body is well-adapted to processing these small amounts. However, research into the long-term effects of natural lithium in drinking water is ongoing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) includes lithium on its list of contaminants for further study, known as the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL), to better understand any potential health impacts from public drinking water sources. It's important to note that this is a precautionary measure and not an indication of immediate danger.
Some ecological studies have suggested a correlation between higher levels of lithium in drinking water and lower population-level suicide rates, though these observational studies require cautious interpretation and do not prove causation. In contrast, one study suggested a potential association between higher maternal lithium exposure in drinking water and increased autism risk in offspring, highlighting the complexity and need for further research. The health effects, both positive and negative, are still under investigation, and any claims of therapeutic benefits from trace dietary amounts should be treated with skepticism.
Conclusion: Natural Occurrence, Not a Supplement
In conclusion, no common drink today has therapeutically significant levels of lithium added intentionally. The primary source of naturally occurring lithium from beverages is certain mineral waters, though extremely small amounts can be found in a wide variety of drinks, including wine, beer, and energy drinks. This natural intake is a normal part of the human diet and is vastly different from the high doses used for medical treatment. While research continues to explore the full effects of trace lithium, it is not a recommended source of supplementation for mood or health benefits. For those seeking additional information on the chemical element and its presence in water, resources like the International Lithium Association offer reliable insights.
