Lithium

Lithium is a mineral element measured in blood to monitor therapeutic use or detect accidental/intentional exposure. It is primarily used as a psychiatric medication for bipolar disorder and requires careful monitoring because the therapeutic and toxic ranges are close.

When elevated: Elevated lithium levels can indicate toxicity, which may cause tremors, confusion, kidney problems, and cardiac arrhythmias. High levels often result from reduced kidney clearance, dehydration, or medication dosing errors. When low: Low or undetectable lithium levels typically indicate either no lithium exposure, non-adherence to prescribed medication, or effective clearance by the kidneys. This is not inherently harmful unless the patient requires therapeutic lithium for psychiatric stability.

Lithium is not routinely relevant to athletes or training. It is monitored exclusively in individuals taking lithium as a psychiatric medication, where blood levels must stay within a narrow therapeutic window. Athletes taking lithium for bipolar disorder should work with their prescriber to ensure levels remain stable during intense training or changes in hydration and sodium intake, which can affect lithium clearance.