Germanium

What is germanium?

Germanium is a chemical element, a metal found in the human body, but its function and whether it is essential to human heath or life is not yet known.

Germanium Health Benefits

There is INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE about the effectiveness of germanium in prevention or treatment of cancer, cataracts, depression, food allergies, glaucoma, heavy metal (cadmium, mercury) poisoning, heart disease, hepatitis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, liver cirrhosis, low energy, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis (weak bones), pain, rheumatoid arthritis, yeast and viral infections, or in increasing circulation of blood to the brain, supporting the immune system, and as an antioxidant ^[1].

Germanium Supplements Safety: Side Effects, Toxicity

Germanium naturally present in foods does not appear to be toxic for humans ^[2].

Prescribed spirogermanium, by an intravenous injection, and propagermanium by mouth in recommended doses up to 7 months are possibly safe.

Germanium supplements are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the current over-the-counter (OTC) germanium products on the market may be harmful for health.

Elemental germanium, germanium oxide and lactate-citrate supplements taken by mouth are likely unsafe: kidney failure and death after taking these supplements have been reported; other possible side effects and dangers include anemia, muscle weakness and nerve problems ^[2].

Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take germanium, since it may be toxic for the fetus ^[2].