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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Lithium in Water Cuts Suicide Rate

Japanese study links trace amounts in water supply to less suicides

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(Newser) – People in areas where the tap water contains lithium are less likely to kill themselves, according to a new Japanese study. The researchers found that the element—used in high doses to treat mood disorders—appeared to "significantly" reduce the suicide rate even when only tiny amounts of it were found in drinking water, the BBC reports.

The scientists believe the cumulative effect of drinking water containing small amounts of lithium over many years may have a protective effect on the brain. They called for more research to be done, but stopped short of suggesting lithium be introduced to water supplies. Mental health experts said the findings definitely merited further investigation, although they warned that large doses of lithium have unpleasant side effects and can be toxic.

Japanese researchers have found that naturally occurring lithium in low levels in the water supply cuts the suicide rate, sparking suggestions it be added to drinking water.
Japanese researchers have found that naturally occurring lithium in low levels in the water supply cuts the suicide rate, sparking suggestions it be added to drinking water.   (©ChrisDownUK)
A suicide prevention hotline by the Golden Gate bridge.
A suicide prevention hotline by the Golden Gate bridge.   (©Piutus)
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This intriguing data should provoke further research. Large-scale trials involving the addition of lithium to drinking water supplies may then be feasible, although this would undoubtedly be subject to considerable debate. - Professor Allan Young of Vancouver's Institute for Mental Health

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3 comments
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Mr.C
May 2, 09 4:11 PM CDT
NOTE: when talking about a scientific study the word significant does not mean large. It simply means the test concluded that the difference was not simply due to chance. A 'significant' result could be one where people committed suicide only 0.0001% less often. Keep this in mind, and don't be confused when you hear the word significant on the news. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
NutsInNY
May 2, 09 5:18 PM CDT
Science-schmience... I believe there is reason that God, in his infinite wisdom, doesn't want there to be any thinning of this particular herd; they are the Chosen ones.
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Sora
May 3, 09 9:43 PM CDT
I have a doubt here... It's cool if lithium can really stop people from kiling themselves, but even in small doses, what harm can it make to other populations who don't need the lithium in their daily activities to function? Would it be harmful? Is the lithium being added to the water in a normal basis, like fluoride so you teeth don't get skinny? Then according to NutsInNY God must hate marines... that's why he blows them into little pieces all the time???... Chosen ones??? Puh-lease! Every human being deserves to live, be it in Japan, Brazil, or Saudi Arabia... If god had some preferred ones, maybe Israelis wouldn't be blowing Palestinians, they would just magically disappear... Don't you think? Brains, people, we have them for a reason, please use them. Reply
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Abstract of the study
British Journal of Psychiatry


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