The chief physician of Dynamo, Alexander Rodionov, explains where lithium comes from in drinking water, why it does not pose a health hazard, and confirms that Senezhskaya water meets all sanitary requirements.
— The topic of lithium in water is currently being discussed. How dangerous is it at all?
— It is important to understand: lithium is a natural element that can occur in microscopic quantities in water, especially mineral water. Up to three hundredths of a milligram per liter, it is not dangerous to health with any amount of water consumed per day. In order for it to become harmful, it must be in the water many times more than allowed.
— But are there any norms? Who controls it at all?
— Of course. There are official standards that determine how much lithium can be in drinking water – and this indicator is very strictly monitored. If the water does not match, it is simply not allowed for sale. Manufacturers have regular inspections, laboratory tests and control by public services.
— What about Senezhskaya? What can you say about her?
— We have carefully studied the results of the latest laboratory tests – everything is in perfect order. The level of lithium there is three times lower than the permissible value. This has been confirmed by an independent laboratory. And moreover, the results of a fresh inspection of Rospotrebnadzor were released the other day: no excess was recorded.
— So you can drink in peace?
— Definitely yes. This water can and should be drunk every day. It is suitable for both adults and children. I drink it myself with pleasure!
— Do they drink Senezhskaya in the team and coaching staff?
— Of course. This water is always at our base, at training camps, in the locker room, on the bench. And doctors, and players, and coaches drink it. We also use Senezhskaya to prepare sports drinks – isotonic and protein shakes. The question here is not that it is a partner of the club. It's just that it's really high-quality water, with a good composition and a pleasant taste. Convenient and useful – everything you need for health.
— Before this brand became a partner of Dynamo, did the club check it?
— The club primarily looked at safety, origin and quality stability. Senezhskaya is a natural drinking water with a good reputation, clear composition and transparent control. For us, as a sports club, it is important that players and fans receive a really high-quality product.
— What would you say to those who are worried – especially the parents and wives of the players?
— I would say this: if we had any reason to doubt the safety of the water, it would not have got into the locker room. And we have no such grounds and never had. We would not recommend something that we are not sure about ourselves. Therefore, I will say – do not worry! (smiles)
Links to documents and regulations
SanPiN 1.2.3685-21 "Hygienic standards" - establishes the maximum permissible concentration of lithium in drinking water - 0.03 mg/l.
TR EAEU 044/2017 "On the safety of packaged water" - technical regulations of the Eurasian Union. Confirms a similar rate of lithium.
HDPE F 14.1:2:4.138-98 - methods for the determination of lithium and other elements in water (spectrometry).
Guidelines MU 2.1.4.1184-03 - procedure for quality control of drinking water, including lithium.
WHO: Guidelines for drinking-water quality (4th ed., 2022) - WHO does not normalize lithium, but indicates that small doses are not dangerous.
Water test protocols "Senezhskaya" - tests are carried out regularly at all plants by an independent laboratory.
