Drinking water containing the element lithium may decrease the risk of suicide, suggests a Japanese study.
A Japanese study suggests that drinking water containing the element lithium may decrease the risk of suicide.
In the British Journal of Psychiatry study, researchers examined levels of lithium in drinking water and suicide rates in the prefecture of Oita, which has a population of more than one million.
Common Anti-depressant may Help to Treat Motor Neurone Disease
Scientists from King's College London have launched a major clinical trial to test whether common antidepressant drug lithium can effectively treat motor neurone disease.
Scientists from King's College London have launched a major clinical trial to test whether common antidepressant drug lithium can effectively treat motor neurone disease.
But the team from the universities of Oita and Hiroshima found that even relatively low levels appeared to have a positive impact of suicide rates.
Levels ranged from 0.7 to 59 micrograms per litre, reports The BBC.
The researchers speculated that while these levels were low, there may be a cumulative protective effect on the brain from years of drinking this tap water.
The findings have led some researchers to call for further study to consider the public health benefits of adding lithium to drinking water supplies.
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World Water Day 2009
World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22nd in order to focus international attention on the importance of preserving freshwater resources.
World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22nd in order to focus international attention on the importance of preserving freshwater resources.
ARU
