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Lithium‐Rich Mineral Water is a Highly Bioavailable Lithium Source for Human Consumption
Author(s) -
Seidel Ulrike,
Baumhof Elena,
Hägele Franziska A.,
BosyWestphal Anja,
Birringer Marc,
Rimbach Gerald
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
molecular nutrition and food research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.495
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1613-4133
pISSN - 1613-4125
DOI - 10.1002/mnfr.201900039
Subject(s) - lithium (medication) , bioavailability , potassium , chemistry , sodium , urine , mineral , calcium , environmental chemistry , magnesium , mineral water , excretion , zoology , endocrinology , biochemistry , pharmacology , medicine , biology , metallurgy , materials science , organic chemistry
Scope Lithium is an important trace element in human nutrition and medicine. Mineral and medicinal waters may represent a significant source of dietary lithium intake. Methods and results The lithium concentration of 360 German mineral and 21 medicinal waters is determined. Based on a systematic screening, three different mineral waters exhibiting low (1.7 µg L −1 ), medium (171 µg L −1 ), and high lithium (1724 µg L −1 ) concentrations are chosen for an acute bioavailability study in male healthy volunteers. In Germany, a north‐east to south‐west gradient of analyzed lithium concentrations is observed in the 381 tested waters. The lithium concentration in the water is significantly correlated with its sodium ( r = 0. 810), potassium ( r = 0.716), and magnesium ( r = 0.361), but not with its calcium concentration. In a randomized cross‐over trial, volunteers ( n = 3×10 each) drink 1.5 L of the respective mineral waters, and lithium concentrations in serum and urine are monitored over 24 h. Consumption of the mineral waters with a medium and high lithium content results in a dose‐dependent response in serum lithium concentrations and total urinary lithium excretion. Conclusion Lithium‐rich mineral and medicinal waters may be an important and highly bioavailable lithium source for human consumption.