Lithium (Symbol Li, Greek lithos stone)- Lithium is a white metal. Lithium itself has no known role in the metabolism of humans. However, lithium salts [lithium carbonate (Li2CO3 and lithium citrate] are employed in treating the manic phase of bipolar illness.
RDA of lithium
There is no known RDA for lithium since there is no established role in human nutrition.
Toxicity of Lithium
When used in the clinical setting, plasma levels of lithium salts must be monitored. For example, levels greater than 1.5meq/L are known to cause concerning side effects (ie., thyroid enlargement, diarrhoea, vomiting, drowsiness, convulsions, hypotesion.