#16: 7Up Advertisement Stating The Use of Lithium in Their Soda, 1948
Back then, companies could put whatever they wanted in their products and advertise accordingly. The idea of regulating certain products or ingredients was only introduced later, and many companies took advantage of that. These days, there are so many things in place that stop any company from incorporating any illegal or medical substances in their products.
Well, it might seem unusual today, but 7Up used to put Lithium in its soda. For those who don’t know, lithium is used primarily as a mood stabilizer, among other things. The advertisements of the time state that their product “settles the stomach” and is good “for hospital or home use.” It even states that it can cure a hangover. We wonder why.