Lithium In Drinking Water 'May Reduce Suicide'
May 5 2009
Very low levels of lithium in drinking water may help prevent suicide in the
general population, according to a new study.
The study has prompted calls for further research into the possibility of adding
lithium to drinking supplies - like water fluoridation to improve dental health.
Researchers at Oita University in Japan measured lithium levels in tap water in
18 municipalities in the Oita region. The lithium levels ranged between 0.7µg/l
(micrograms per litre) and 59µg/l.
The researchers then calculated the suicide rate in each of the 18
municipalities. They found that the suicide rate was significantly lower in
those areas with the highest levels of lithium in the water.
Writing in the May issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry, the
researchers said: "Our study suggests that very low levels of lithium in
drinking water can lower the risk of suicide. Very low levels may possess an
antisuicidal effect."
Lithium is a naturally occurring metal found in variable amounts in food and
water. In medicine, very high doses are used to treat bipolar disorder and mood
disorders. But so far the potential benefit of using low levels of lithium to
reduce the risk of suicide has not been studied closely.
Vancouver-based psychiatrist Professor Allan Young has described the study as
"intriguing".
Commenting on the Japanese study in the same issue of the British Journal of
Psychiatry, Professor Young said: "A logical first step would be for
the Medical Research Council to convene an expert working party to examine the
available evidence and suggest further research.
"Large-scale trials involving the addition of lithium to drinking water
supplies may then be feasible, although this would undoubtedly be subject to
considerable debate. Following up on these findings will not be straightforward
or inexpensive, but the eventual benefits for community mental health may be
considerable."
Reference:
"Lithium levels in drinking water and risk of suicide"
Ohgami H, Terao T, Shiotsuki I, Ishii N and Iwata N (2009)
British Journal of Psychiatry, 194: 464-465
"Invited commentary on…Lithium levels in drinking water and risk of
suicide"
Young, AH (2009)
British Journal of Psychiatry, 194: 466
Source
Royal College of Psychiatrists
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