Abstract
Mycelia and mushrooms are able to bioaccumulate minerals. Lithium is the active principle of drugs used in the treatment of psychiatric diseases. However, a dietary source of Li can reduce the side effects of these drugs. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of Li-enriched mushroom of Pleurotus djamor in pigs and the effects of this element on oxidative stress in the animal tissues. Pigs 28-30 days-old were fed with diets containing or not Li for five days. Levels of serum cortisol were related to the Li dosage from diet. Li-enriched mushrooms were more bioavailable source of Li to the body than Li(2)CO(3). These mushrooms also improved the effects of oxidative enzymes and showed less oxidative damage than Li(2)CO(3). These results demonstrate the potential to use Li-enriched P. djamor as a source of Li that is more bioavailable and present protective effects against oxidative stress.