Psychiatric benefits of lithium in water supplies may be due to protection from the neurotoxicity of lead exposure

Lithium is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder and may also prevent cognitive decline and suicide. Lithium is also found naturally, in levels well below clinical doses, in drinking water worldwide, and levels have been inversely associated with rates of psychiatric disorders. Lead (Pb) is another element in the environment but is a toxin of public health concern. Negative effects of chronic lead exposure and possible benefits of environmental lithium exposure appear complementary.
Source: Medical Hypotheses - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research