🔬 The Forgotten Science of 7-Up: When Soda Was Medicine Did you know that 7-Up, the iconic lemon-lime soda, originally contained lithium citrate—a compound used in early psychiatry? Introduced in 1929 as “Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda,” its formula included lithium salts (up to 5 mg per serving), which were believed to alleviate depression, anxiety, and even hangovers. Lithium’s mood-stabilizing effects were already known by the late 19th century, and its inclusion in 7-Up mirrored the era’s fascination with “medicinal” tonics. However, by 1948, amid shifting FDA regulations and growing awareness of lithium’s toxicity risks in unregulated doses, the ingredient was quietly removed. While modern 7-Up retains its crisp, citrusy profile, its early history reflects a time when soft drinks blurred the line between refreshment and rudimentary psychopharmacology. 🧪⚡ #ScienceHistory #PharmaceuticalHistory #7Up #Lithium #BeverageScience #FoodChemistry #MedicalOddities #HistoricBrands...