The Historical Presence of Lithium in Beverages
Before its primary use in batteries and medical treatments for bipolar disorder, lithium was widely viewed as a cure-all, and many early 20th-century drinks were marketed with intentional lithium fortification. In 1929, Charles Leiper Grigg introduced the beverage initially called "Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda," later shortened to 7 Up. It contained lithium citrate and was sold as a hangover cure. Similarly, a version of Coca-Cola mixed with lithium-bearing water, known as Lithia Coke, was once available at soda fountains. These practices ended abruptly after 1948 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the inclusion of lithium in beer and soft drinks due to concerns over its medicinal properties.
Natural Sources of Lithium in Modern Drinks
Today, lithium is not intentionally added to most commercial beverages, but it is naturally present in trace amounts in many drinks, with concentrations varying depending on the source of the water. Groundwater and surface water interact with rocks and soil, picking up elements like lithium, and this mineral content can be transferred into our drinks.
Mineral and Bottled Water
Natural mineral waters from certain regions are among the most significant dietary sources of lithium. The concentration depends on the geology of the spring or well. For example, brands sourced from volcanic or mineral-rich areas tend to have higher levels. Some of the mineral-rich waters identified in studies include:
- Malavella (Spain): Up to 1250 µg/L
- Vichy Catalan (Spain): Up to 1070 µg/L
- Vidago (Portugal): Up to 1590 µg/L
- Gerolsteiner (Germany): Approximately 210 µg/L
- San Pellegrino (Italy): Approximately 120 µg/L
- Lithia Spring Water (USA): Contains naturally occurring lithium carbonate
It is important to note that concentrations can vary between batches and may not be listed on the label unless the mineral is a primary component.
Tap Water
Lithium is present in public drinking water supplies, but concentrations vary dramatically by geographic location, geology, and climate. A study across U.S. drinking water sources found lithium concentrations ranging from less than 1 µg/L to over 1700 µg/L. Arid regions and older groundwater sources often exhibit higher concentrations. Public water suppliers in the U.S. are now required to monitor for lithium as part of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). This is done to gather national data, not to regulate current levels, as lithium is not currently a regulated contaminant.
Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
While lower than in mineral waters, other processed drinks also contain trace amounts of lithium, largely from the water and ingredients used in their production. A 2020 study analyzing 160 different beverages in Germany found average lithium concentrations in parts per billion (ppb), which is equal to µg/L:
- Energy drinks: 24 ppb
- Red wine: 17 ppb
- Beer: 3-20 ppb
- White wine: 8 ppb
- Cola drinks: 8 ppb
- Tea infusions: 2.8 ppb
- Coffee infusions: 0.1 ppb
Comparison of Lithium Levels in Beverages
This table compares the typical lithium concentrations across different beverage categories, emphasizing the wide range depending on the water source and manufacturing process.
| Beverage Type | Approximate Lithium Range (µg/L) | Primary Source of Lithium | Typical Serving Contribution to Daily Intake | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Mineral Water | 200 - 1500+ | Natural spring water from mineral-rich geological regions | Highest of all drinks, can be a significant dietary source | Varies greatly by brand and source; levels are typically printed on the bottle |
| Tap Water | <1 - >1000 | Geologic interaction with rocks and soil; highly regional | Variable, depending on local water source | Public monitoring data is becoming more available for assessment |
| Wine (Red) | ~17 | Grapes and water source used in fermentation | Minimal, but a consistent source among fermented products | Content can vary based on soil geochemistry and agricultural practices |
| Beer | 3 - 20 | Water source, which may contain natural lithium | Minimal, water content is the main factor | Demineralized water used in some brewing processes can reduce content |
| Energy/Soft Drinks | ~10 - 100+ | Water source used in production | Minimal | Modern products do not have intentionally added lithium |
Conclusion
While the days of intentionally lithiated commercial sodas are over, the reality is that trace amounts of lithium are naturally and safely present in many common drinks, particularly those with a mineral water base. Tap water's lithium content is highly variable and depends on local geology, while beverages like wine and beer contain minimal, but detectable, amounts derived from their ingredients. The levels found in these dietary sources are thousands of times lower than the therapeutic doses used medically and pose no health risk from toxicity. Ongoing research is exploring the subtle health effects of long-term, low-dose lithium exposure from drinking water. For those interested in understanding their dietary intake of trace minerals, analyzing local tap water or checking the labels of mineral water can provide insight.
For more detailed information on lithium in drinking water, refer to the Technical Fact Sheet on Lithium in Drinking Water from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
