Effects of lithium on human health

Lithium: A Surprising Brain Protector. Harvard Scientists Uncover New Links

Lithium is best known as a drug used to treat bipolar disorder and depression. It has been used in medicine for decades, but new findings from Harvard Medical School show that this common metal may have even broader implications—including for brain health in healthy people.

What did scientists find out?

After nearly a decade of research, scientists have confirmed that lithium is naturally found in small amounts in our bodies. Our cells need it in the same way that vitamin C or iron do. A new study shows that it plays an important role in maintaining a healthy brain as we age.

The research, conducted on mice and human brain tissue samples, showed that low lithium intake caused inflammation and changes in the brain associated with accelerated aging . In mice prone to Alzheimer's disease, it even accelerated the formation of harmful proteins that impair memory.

Read also another scientific study in English: Lithium and neuroprotection: a review of molecular targets and biological effects at subtherapeutic concentrations in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease - PubMed