Lithium content of some teas and their infusions consumed in China

Interest into the benefits of lithium (Li) has raised the issue that there are few data available on amounts of Li contained in different types of teas. Li concentrations of 30 teas and their infusions consumed in China were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The highest Li content was found in Luobuma (Apocynum venetum) tea (>11 ppm). Li contents of other types of teas ranged from 0.02 to 0.6 ppm. According to our data and calculations, a daily consumption of 10 g Luobuma tea can give >85 μg Li intake. This is more than 85% of the minimum human adult Li requirement. However, other types of teas (10 g/day) can only provide <3% of the minimum Li requirement.