germanium

Germanium is a natural element present in micro-trace quantities in plants, animals, water, soil and the environment. Germanium supplements and germanium-rich water are used as medicinal supplements in the treatment of a number of conditions such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases and others. There are, however, no scientific studies supporting the health benefits of germanium, while there are concerns regarding the safety of consuming germanium supplements for prolonged periods.

Germanium is considered a non-essential element for human life and its biological functions are not well studied. Germanium occurs in organic and inorganic forms. The inorganic form is mainly found in water, while the organic form occurs in plant and animal foods. The organic form is considered less toxic than the inorganic form which is more likely to accumulate in tissues and organs with prolonged consumption and cause damage. Inorganic germanium is most commonly used in the semiconductor industry and infrared detectors and optical instruments.

Organic germanium is believed to have anticancer, antitumor, antiaging, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunity enhancing and antioxidant effects. Although there are no controlled studies to support such claims, germanium is thought to play significant roles in normalizing many biological functions including immune regulation and oxygen respiration, and germanium deficiency is suggested to be a contributing factor in many diseases. In addition to oral supplements, bathing in germanium-rich waters is considered curative for many illnesses.

Suggested supplemental uses of germanium include:

• Cancers
• Autoimmune disorders
• Liver disease
• Viral infections
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Malaria
• Heart disease
• Glaucoma, a condition that affects the optic nerve
• Inflammations
• Food allergies
• High cholesterol
• Heavy metal poisoning
• Pain relief

• There are inadequate scientific studies to support the use of germanium. Germanium can cause many adverse effects and damage organ systems. Avoid use.
• Germanium may exacerbate seizures.
• Prolonged use of germanium, particularly the inorganic form, can accumulation of germanium in tissues that can damage the kidney and many other organs.
• Do not use germanium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Common side effects of germanium include:

• Anemia
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Kidney damage
• Kidney failure
• Nerve damage
• Muscle weakness
• Lung toxicity
• Death

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

There is no scientific information to determine what might be an appropriate dose of germanium. Dosages may depend on several factors such as the user's age, health and other conditions. Germanium is not considered safe. If you do take germanium, follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosing.

Overdose

There are no reports of acute overdose of germanium. Prolonged consumption of inorganic germanium can have serious adverse effects including loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, headaches, kidney damage and failure, muscle and nervous system damage and dysfunction of multiple organs. Chronic overdose may be treated with discontinuation of germanium and appropriate supportive and symptomatic care.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Germanium has no known severe interactions with other drugs.
• Serious interactions of germanium include:
  • fluorouracil
• Germanium has no moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Mild interactions of germanium include:
  • furosemide

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• Use of germanium during pregnancy or breastfeeding is likely unsafe. Do not take germanium if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not take any supplement, including germanium, without first checking with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Germanium supplements are likely unsafe because germanium can build up in tissues and cause damage to multiple organs including kidneys, liver, spleen, lungs, bones and the gastrointestinal tract.
• If you do take germanium, organic germanium is likely less unsafe. Closely follow the manufacturer's label for dosing and do not take it for prolonged periods.
• Check with your healthcare provider before taking any supplemental product, including germanium, particularly if you have any health conditions or if you are on any regular medication.
• Supplements often contain many ingredients. Check labels for the components in the germanium product you choose.
• Germanium is marketed as a supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents. Exercise care in choosing your product.
• Store germanium supplements safely out of reach of children.
• In case of overdose, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.