Lithium

Lithium is a controversial trace element that may be essential. Lithium resembles sodium, chemically, and is a close relative to both sodium and potassium. Diets low in this element has caused reproductive failure in some animals, lowered birth weight, altered behavioral patterns and altered liver and blood enzymes. It was introduced in 1949 for the treatment of mania, which is a condition that when full-blown requires hospitalization. The standard treatment for bipolar depression is lithium as lithium stabilizes mood. It is especially useful in the manic phases of the condition. Lithium is also being used for the treatment of conditions like gout, as lithium urate is one of the few soluble salts of uric acid, alcoholism and various mental disorders.
When people hear about lithium it is usually associated with medical treatments for psychiatric disorders. In humans, lithium is only required in trace amounts as that is all that is found in tissues. As an organic mineral, it is an essential trace element and functions in the body much like other minerals like magnesium, potassium, zinc and others.Some recent studies have shown that blood analysis shows fatigue, fibromyalgia and other chronic illnesses have low lithium levels. People who take lithium often times experience significant improvement in their symptoms and a generalized uplifting in mood. It should be noted that too much lithium can produce severe side effects and should not be taken without the supervision of a health care professional.
Lithium function in the body:
Stabilizes the neurotransmitter Serotonin--Activates gluco corticosteroid receptors
Affects production of cAMP Unregulated conversion of essential fatty acids to prostaglandins Unstable serotonin neurotransmitter levels. Decreased acetylcholine receptors