Oxidative Stress
Conditions
Keywords
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Oxidative stress, Neurogenesis, Lithium, Lithia water
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.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTLithia water
Oral intake of approximately 2 litres (2L) daily for 4 weeks
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENTNatural spring water with negligible lithium levels
Oral intake of approximately 2 litres (2L) daily for 4 weeks
Sponsors
Aquaceutica Group
University of British Columbia
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
19 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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.
Exclusion criteria
* See above
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
Countries
Canada
Outcome results
None listed