Influence of high fat diet on steady state bioavailability of lithium carbonate in manic depressive patients - a preliminary report.

The effect of high fat food in the steady state bioavailability of lithium carbonate (900 or 1200mg daily, in divided doses) was studied in three patients of manic-depressive psychosis in a self-control cross-over design. Serial blood samples were collected by venepuncture until 8 hours following drug administration and lithium was assayed by flame photometry. The results indicated a reduction in the extent of bioavailability of lithium by the high fat food as compared to standard normal diet, in all the three patients studied Caution should be exercised in regard to lithium administration along with food rich in fat content.