View source for SC Topic:1:Lithium for human intake

Lithium has been proven to meet all scientific criteria for an essential trace element in animal models. In these models, it was shown that even small amounts of lithium meet all scientific criteria for an essential trace element are necessary for life. A relative deficiency in humans increases the risk of disorders in brain development or the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases.<ref>https://www.openpetition.de/petition/online/lithium-anerkennung-der-essentialitaet-und-zulassung-als-nahrungsergaenzungsmittel</ref>

However, in the EU, lithium is currently not approved as a permissible ingredient in dietary supplements. On the other hand, in other countries, including the USA, lithium has been used as a dietary supplement for decades.<ref>https://www.openpetition.de/petition/online/lithium-anerkennung-der-essentialitaet-und-zulassung-als-nahrungsergaenzungsmittel</ref>

Discussions and evaluations should now be held on whether a legislative change in the EU would be sensible and what this could look like. This discussion does not concern the therapeutic application (over 50 mg/day) but rather the dietary supplement aspect (under 5 mg/day).<!---{"shortDescription":"Lithium has been shown essential in animal models, but its use as a dietary supplement is currently unapproved in the EU. A potential legislative change could be considered.","image":"","df":{"dfConcerns":"","dfSolutions":"","dfProblemStatements":"","dfData":""}}--->