Lithia Water Study: Effects of Lithia Water on BDNF and Oxidative Stress Markers in Healthy Male Participants

Not Applicable

Terminated

• Conditions: Oxidative Stress
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Lithia water; Dietary Supplement: Natural spring water with negligible lithium levels

• Registration Number: NCT01257867
• Lead Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Brief Summary

This study investigates the effects of daily use of lithia water on blood tests of neuronal oxidative stress, mood, and well-being. Lithia water is a type of pure spring water containing trace levels of lithium, which is a naturally occurring mineral. Neuronal oxidative stress is caused by normal chemical reactions in the human body that sometimes result in damage to brain cells. Participation in this study will last for 8 weeks and includes daily use of study water for drinking.

The primary objective of this pilot study is to test the hypothesis that, in healthy male participants, daily use of lithia water will improve neurogenesis and antioxidant capacity as measured by serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and oxidative stress markers. Secondary objectives will include examining self-reported changes in mood, cognition, and well-being.

Detailed Description

There is some indication from epidemiological studies that areas with trace concentrations of lithium in drinking water have lower rates of suicide. This study will evaluate the effects of drinking EDJ (pronounced "edge") lithia spring water (which comes from a natural spring in the Rocky Mountains and contains trace amounts \[0.68 mg/litre\] of lithium) for 4 weeks, compared to drinking commercially available bottled water (which contains no lithium at all) for 4 weeks.

This pilot study has been designed as an 8-week randomized, counterbalanced, crossover study in 15 healthy male participants. Eligible participants will use lithia water or control water for daily ingestion for 4 weeks, then cross over to the other condition for another 4 weeks. At baseline and after each 4-week condition, participants will complete self-report questionnaires of mood, cognition and well-being, and blood samples will be assayed for BDNF and oxidative stress protein markers.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2010-12-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-12-09
• Study First Posted: 2010-12-10
• Study Start: 2011-03
• Primary Completion: 2012-10
• Study Completion: 2012-10
• Status Verified: 2012-11
• Last Update Submitted: 2012-11-07
• Last Update Posted: 2012-11-09

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: TERMINATED
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 5

Inclusion Criteria

• Male participants aged 19-35 years. [Note: women are excluded in this pilot study because the variable effects of female sex hormones on oxidative stress markers and neurogenesis];
• No current, past or family history (in first-degree relatives) of a major psychiatric disorder or alcohol/substance abuse/dependence;
• Non-smokers [because smoking is associated with increased oxidative stress];
• No active medical condition (e.g., thyroid disease);
• No regular use of prescribed or over-the-counter medications or illicit substances;
• Negative urine drug-screening test; and
• Competency to give informed consent.

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Exclusion Criteria

• See above

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Lithia spring water	Lithia water	Lithia water (active) for 4 weeks then placebo water for 4 weeks
Natural spring water	Natural spring water with negligible lithium levels	Placebo water for 4 weeks then lithia water (active) for 4 weeks

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change from Baseline in BDNF levels at 4 weeks	Baseline, Wk 4, Wk 8	Blood samples will be assayed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Standardized, validated questionnaires querying mood and quality of life	Baseline, Wk 4, Wk 8
Standardized, validated questionnaires regarding cognitive functioning	Baseline, Wk 4, Wk 8
Change from Baseline in oxidative stress protein markers at 4 weeks	Baseline, Wk 4, Wk 8	Blood samples will be assayed for oxidative stress protein markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and TBARS)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of British Columbia, Department of Psychiatry; 🇨🇦 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada