Lítio em águas engarrafadas e de abastecimento público portuguesas

Previous studies support that the intake of natural levels of lithium in drinking water might have benefits on mental health. In Portugal, as in other countries, lithium content is unknown as the element is not legislated as a quality parameter for human consumption. Herein, a preliminary study reports the lithium concentration and its distribution in the Portuguese drinking waters (bottled and tap waters). Portuguese tap waters collected in 48 Municipalities exhibit a lower range in lithium concentrations (< 1 up to 191 µg/L) than the 26 brand bottled (mineral and spring) waters (< 1 up to 2210 µg/L). The highest lithium concentration, detected in HCO3-Na/CO2-rich bottled mineral waters, reflects the geotectonic environment through which these waters circulate, suggest that its controlled consumption may come to be seen as a nutritional supplement to this element. This work intends to launch a more comprehensive national research on the effects of water Li intake, in health and wellbeing of the Portuguese population.