Effects of zinc supplementation on sodium (Na), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) levels in the serum of lithium administered rats

Lithium is a drug of choice in treatment of mania, unipolar and bipolar disorders. During treatment, the trace element levels are severely affected. The objective of this investigation was to determine whether zinc supplementation, which acts as an antioxidant, could improve the levels of trace elements in rats administered lithium. In pursuit of this aim, the male Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 195 g were classified into four primary categories: Group I rats were supplied with unrestricted access to potable water and standard pelleted feed. Lithium carbonate was introduced into the diets of Group II rats 1.1 gram per kilogram of body weight. The drinking water of Group III rats contained a zinc sulphate concentration of 227 mg/L. Lastly, Group IV rats received both lithium as well as zinc in a manner consistent with that of Group II and III, respectively. All the treatments were given for 8 weeks. Serum zinc (Zn), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) levels were decreased with lithium treatment, but levels were increased upon co-administration of lithium (Li) and zinc treatment. The calcium (Ca) levels were reduced in combined group as compared to the lithium treated group. Thus, the introduction of zinc into lithium-treated mice resulted in the restoration of metal levels to baseline, suggesting that zinc may have the ability to restore altered metal levels.