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Lithium in Mineral Water: Sources, Levels & Context

Writer: Admin
Admin
May 24
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Lithium in Mineral Water: Sources and Analysis Values


Note: The following information is drawn from public sources and is not intended as medical advice. Please always consult a doctor or a qualified professional for health-related questions.


Lithium in Mineral Water: Sources, Levels & Context

What Is Lithium?


Lithium is a trace element found in the body in small amounts. It is not yet officially recognized as essential, so the German Nutrition Society (DGE) does not set a reference value for daily intake. Lithium is found in various tissues, including the kidneys, thyroid, bones, teeth, lymph nodes, liver, lungs and brain. Part of the body's lithium is bound to red blood cells.


Lithium as a Trace Element


Brain & Nervous System


Lithium is present in trace amounts in the human body, including the brain. No physiological effect is implied here for the naturally occurring trace amounts of lithium found in mineral water.


Trace Amounts in Mineral Water


Lithium occurs naturally in trace amounts in some mineral waters. Analysis values describe the water's content, but on their own don't support any general claim about health effects.


Putting Analysis Values in Context


Here, lithium is considered solely as a naturally occurring trace element and analysis value.


Natural Sources of Lithium


Food


Lithium is found in various foods. Here are a few examples:


  • Eggs: approx. 12 µg/kg

  • Butter: approx. 12 µg/kg

  • Meat: approx. 12 µg/kg

  • Whole grains, vegetables (onions, garlic, potatoes): 0.5–3.4 mg/kg

  • Milk: 0.5 mg/100 g

  • Chocolate: 0.5 mg/100 g


Mineral Water and Spring Water


Mineral waters are one natural source of lithium in the diet; the values below are analysis values:


  • Bad Mergentheimer Albertquelle (DE): 11.8 mg/L

  • Vincentka (CZ)
    : 8.6–9.0 mg/L

  • Bad Mergentheimer Karlsquelle: 4.9 mg/L

  • Staatl. Bad Kissinger Rakozy: 5.0 mg/L

  • Rogaska Donat MG
    : 3.3 mg/L

  • Preblauer Sonnenschein: 1.4 mg/L

  • Hirschquelle Mineralwasser: 1.31 mg/L

  • Bad Mergentheimer Wilhelmsquelle: 1.3 mg/L


Note: According to the table, Vincentka contains 8.6–9.0 mg/L lithium (second highest in this overview after Albertquelle at 11.8 mg/L) and also iodine.


Lithium in Mineral Water: Analysis Values at a Glance


There's no officially defined daily requirement for lithium.


Caution: Overdosing


It's important to pay attention to dosage. Lithium poisoning from ordinary foods is practically impossible. However, large amounts of mineral water with a high lithium content can potentially cause symptoms such as tremors, seizures, dizziness, nausea, impaired kidney function or, in extreme cases, coma. Risks associated with lithium therapy include an underactive thyroid, impaired kidney function and an underactive parathyroid gland.


Conclusion


Lithium is a naturally occurring trace element; this article has focused on its occurrence and analysis values in mineral water. Vincentka and the Albertquelle are among the lithium-richest mineral waters in the table.


Note: This information is drawn from public sources and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a doctor or a qualified professional before taking lithium supplements or starting a mineral water course.

Further Information:

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