Lithium (Li) A Mineral and A Drug
Pure lithium, like, calcium, sodium or potassium, is a naturally occurring inorganic chemical element. It is one of the alkali-metal groups. Lithium is found abundantly in certain rocks and the sea and in small amounts in plant life and animal tissues. In addition it shows up in water, notably in the springs and spas.
It is present in the earth’s crust to the extent of nearly 0.006 wt% (Habashi, 1997). It is the 27th most abounding chemical element in nature. Lithium isn’t a needful mineral for plant life but it does promote plant development.
Lithium is employed therapeutically on membrane transport proteins when dealing with manic depressive illness. Studies have demonstrated that lithium affects the flow of sodium transport in nerve and muscular tissue cells. Sodium affects enervation (mania). Typical manic episodes include; motor hyperactivity, shortened need for sleep, flight of thoughts, grandiosity, high spirits, deficient judgment, aggression, and potential hostility.
On oral ingestion, metallic lithium is mildly toxic; however, physical tolerance differs between individuals. The most common target organ for lithium toxicity is the CNS; additional potential side effects of lithium ingestion include urticaria; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, throat, tongue or lips.
The ability to tolerate lithium is better during the acute manic phase and drop-off when manic symptoms lessen. Lithium toxicity it is close associated with blood serum lithium levels, and could take place at doses more or less to therapeutic levels. Have emergency medical assistance if you have any of these signs of an allergic response. Patients getting diuretic drugs should have blood serum lithium levels supervised closely and the lithium dose corrected if needed.
Lithium doesn’t have a recognized biological function and doesn’t seem to be an essential chemical element for life. However, the quantity of lithium in the human body is roughly 7 mg. Lithium is absorbed from the GI tract. In places like Chile where lithium-rich Salinas could contain up to 1500 mg/L Li, the amount of lithium ingestion might reach 10 mg/day without any demonstration of harmful effects to the local population.
A follow-up review of the dietary uptake of lithium has suggested that the minimum human adult (physiological) lithium demand is calculated to be less than 0.1 mg/day. Established on lithium intake data in different nations, a tentative recommendation of daily intake is 1.0mg lithium/day for a 70 kg adult.
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