Overview
Despite serious safety concerns, germanium is used for cancer, heart disease, hepatitis, glaucoma, and other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these or other uses.
How does it work ?
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Insufficient Evidence for
- Cancer. Researchers are interested in spirogermanium, a form of germanium, as an alternative treatment for various kinds of cancer. But early research has shown only minimal response to treatment with spirogermanium. Other early research suggests that taking propagermanium, another form of germanium, by mouth for 1-7 months might benefit people with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
- Hepatitis B. Early research suggests that taking a specific product (Serocion, Yamanouchi, Japan) containing propagermanium by mouth for 16 weeks reduces the amount of active hepatitis virus in people with hepatitis B.
- A group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma).
- Cataracts.
- Depression.
- Fatigue.
- Food allergies.
- Heavy metal poisoning.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- High cholesterol.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Pain.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the liver (hepatitis).Yeast infections.
- Viral infections.
- Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis).
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
Organic forms of germanium are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Spirogermanium and propagermanium are examples of organic forms of germanium. These forms can build up in the body and cause serious side effects including kidney failure, multi-organ dysfunction, lung toxicity, and nerve damage.
Inorganic (elemental) germanium is LIKELY UNSAFE. This includes certain compounds such as germanium oxide. There have been more than 30 reports of kidney failure and death linked with use of these forms of germanium. It builds up in the body and can damage vital organs such as the kidneys. It can also cause anemia, muscle weakness, nerve problems, and other side effects.
When given by IV: Organic forms of germanium are POSSIBLY UNSAFE when injected intravenously (by IV). Spirogermanium and propagermanium are examples of organic forms of germanium. These forms can build up in the body and cause serious side effects including kidney failure, multi-organ dysfunction, lung toxicity, and nerve damage.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Interactions ?
Furosemide (Lasix) interacts with GERMANIUM
Some scientists think that germanium might decrease how well furosemide (Lasix) works. But there isn't enough information to know if this is a big concern.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Dosing
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https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_139.html. Accessed Jan. 7, 2019
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