What role does Lithium play in the human body?

Answer 1

There is no lithium in the human body naturally. There are minute traces in bodily fluids such as plasma, sliva and urine, but it has no known function. Lithium isonly evident if it has been administered for medical reasons such as the treatment of Bipolar mood disorder.

Answer 2

Some sources state that lithium seems to have no biological role, but ingestion can have both positive and negative effects on the body. (WebElements) Studies suggest that lithium is an important part of the diet, as "low levels of lithium in drinking water have been correlated with a higher incidence of mental hospital admissions, violent crime, suicide, drug addiction, and Heart disease." (Intelegen) It is beneficial for the health of the nervous system (a more detailed breakdown of why/how is included in the link provided - eg, Intelegen), and has medicinal applications in treatment of Bipolar disorder with possible benefits in a future treatment for Alzheimer's.

"Lithium appears to play an especially important role during the early fetal development as evidenced by the high lithium contents of the embryo during the early gestational period." (Journal of the American College of Nutrition). The reason for this (concluded from studies on animals) is that lithium has demonstrated a role in the expansion of the pluripotential stem cell pool to more mature progenitor cells and blood elements. Additionally, the amount of lithium in the developing organs is highest in the first trimester, then declines (as is true for other elements).

Aside from its functions during the gestation period, "the biochemical mechanisms of action of lithium appear to be multifactorial and are intercorrelated with the functions of several enzymes, hormones and vitamins, as well as with growth and transforming factors." (JACN)

Answer 3

its found in human body in the tissues and arteries in combination with blood

Answer 4

in your bladder