Lithium

Lithium is a mineral involved with many physiological functions. It works with other elements, drugs, enzymes, hormones, vitamins and growth factors. Many of the biological actions of Lithium may be caused by the powerful polarizing effect caused by its small atomic radius, allowing it to displace sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium from membrane or enzyme binding sites. It may be helpful in bipolar disorder, depression, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, schizophrenia and alcoholism. Lithium appears to affect dopamine and serotonin (neurotransmitters) activity and may increase MAO (monoamine oxidase) activity, an enzyme which breaks down monoamines such as serotonin, aderenaline and noradrenaline. Lithium enhances transport of vitamin B12 and folate into brain cells.