Is This Vital Brain Nutrient Being Intentionally Misrepresented to You?

Overview

Most individuals perceive it as a harmful, potent medication for patients with mental illnesses, something to avoid at all costs. However, Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee, an Irish consultant psychiatrist, advocated for the mental health benefits of this mineral to be included in drinking water. Can it be both detrimental and beneficial? The answer is yes, but not simultaneously. Fortunately, we can reap the advantages without concern for adverse effects. The element in discussion is lithium.

Misleading Impression Purposely Created?

It is a well-known saying that dates back to Paracelsus, the pioneer of toxicology in the 16th century: the toxicity of a substance is determined by the dose. For example, water is vital for life, but paradoxically, excessive consumption can be fatal, as evidenced by a few unfortunate incidents. While it is common knowledge that dosage is crucial for medications and nutrients, the question of "how much" concerning lithium is often disregarded or dismissed. Dr. Mark Millar, a dedicated lithium researcher and former chiropractor who successfully managed bipolar disorder with low-dose lithium, firmly believes that this situation is not accidental. He asserts that both leaders in the psychiatric field and pharmaceutical companies have colluded to propagate the false notion that high doses of lithium are necessary for effectiveness, close to toxic levels. He alleges that they have intentionally deceived to control the beliefs of medical professionals and the general public. Dr. Millar argues that research supports the safety and efficacy of lithium at low doses. While the existence of a conspiracy to misinform remains uncertain, what is clear is that lithium is a vital nutrient present in food and water.

A Crucial Trace Element

Dr. Emily Deans, a psychiatrist trained at Harvard, stated, "Surprisingly, lithium is an essential trace element...To provide context, water with high lithium content equates to approximately 2 mg of lithium per day. Psychiatric dosages typically begin at 300mg daily." Dr. Mark Hyman, a renowned author and the Medical Director at Cleveland Clinic's Center for Functional Medicine, concurs, stating, "Lithium is a critical micronutrient...It is distributed throughout all bodily organs and tissues, sharing similar chemical properties with calcium and magnesium." According to Dr. Millar, lithium is arguably the most vital trace mineral for optimal mental, emotional, and neurological well-being. Present in modest quantities in legumes, grains, eggs, dairy products, meat, fish, shellfish, and varying levels in water sources, lithium should be regarded similarly to other essential nutrients.

Lithium's Impact on Mental Health and Longevity

Dr. Bhamjee's proposal to introduce lithium into the water supply was backed by several studies. Studies conducted in Texas revealed that regions with adequate drinking water levels experienced lower rates of suicide, violence, crime, and mental health issues compared to areas with lower levels. Similar patterns were observed in Greece, where areas with higher natural lithium levels in water reported lower incidences of suicide, homicide, rape, and drug abuse. Research from Japan and Austria demonstrated reduced suicide rates in regions with elevated lithium levels in water. Considerable evidence suggests that lithium also hinders critical disease processes associated with Alzheimer's. In a study, a daily dose of less than one-third of a milligram (300 micrograms) over 15 months stabilized cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. While lithium is not definitively established as an Alzheimer's treatment, and minimal research funds are allocated for further investigations, based on available evidence, some individuals opt to use it. A review published in August 2016 highlighted a growing body of evidence indicating that lithium provides protection against various neurotoxins and enhances grey matter volume in multiple brain regions. It is proposed that lithium may support brain health and shield against neurodegenerative conditions. Optimism was supported by an extensive population study involving nearly 1.25 million individuals in Japan. The researchers observed a correlation between higher lithium levels in drinking water and lower overall mortality rates. They concluded that "long-term exposure to low-dose lithium may possess anti-aging properties." In 2002, the late Dr. Gerhard N. Schrauzer from the University of California emphasized that lithium is an essential nutrient, suggesting a minimum daily requirement (MDR) of 1mg for healthy adults. If Dr. Millar's theory regarding a conspiracy holds true, the likelihood of lithium being recognized as an MDR or recommended daily amount is slim. Consequently, the public may continue to perceive lithium as a hazardous drug rather than an essential and beneficial micronutrient.

References

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Zhang R, Zhang M, Wang P. The intricate interplay between dietary habits and cognitive function: insights from the gut-brain axis. Front Nutr. 2025 Jan 29;12:1539355. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1539355. PMID: 39944956; PMCID: PMC11813792.

"Food for the Brain" initiative by the Food for the Brain Foundation, a UK-based charity dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on mental well-being and cognitive health.

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How Your Diet Influences Brain Fog.

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Susan Parker

Susan Parker is a 49-year-old Senior Manager at a marketing firm. With two older children becoming more independent, she is now focusing on her own health and wellbeing. She’s passionate about natural and holistic health approaches, and values high-quality, trustworthy products. Susan enjoys yoga, gardening, reading, and cooking, and seeks to stay energetic and sharp while balancing a busy career and personal life.