Could lithium in drinking water help to reduce suicide?

A new study conducted by researchers at Oita University in Japan has discovered a connection between higher levels of lithium in drinking water and a reduction in suicides.

The team measured naturally occurring levels of lithium in the water supplies of 18 different communities in the south of the country and found that those with higher levels had significantly lower suicide rates.

Levels of lithium, which occurs naturally in metals and is used medicinally to treat depression, were found to vary between 0.7 micrograms per litre to 59 micrograms per litre, the Telegraph reports.

Vancouver-based psychiatrist professor Allan Young said that the test was interesting and commented: "A logical first step would be for the Medical Research Council to convene an expert working party to examine the available evidence and suggest further research."

A recent report from the Daily Mail highlighted the growing demand for lithium, as it is used in everyday items such as mobile phones, iPods and cars and suggested that one of the world's most lithium-rich areas, Bolivia's Salar De Uyuni desert, could soon be mined for the precious metal.