Information About Germanium Supplements
Gray Rollins
Dietary supplements containing germanium started becoming
popular in the 1970s in Japan. From there it spread to other
countries, where it became known as an elixir against certain
diseases. Germanium is found in the Earth’s crust. Plants and
the human body also show traces of germanium. This element is
available in plenty of plant foods such as vegetables,
leguminous seeds, wheat and bran; while it is almost
nonexistent in animal foods. Germanium is considered to be the
prime reason why nutritional practitioners recommend taking
garlic, ginseng, mushroom, and comfrey. Some organic complexes
of germanium have shown the capacity to curtail the growth of
tumors in animals.
A lack of germanium is associated with infection and immune
disorders, but the biological role of germanium is still
unclear. Germanium is not an essential element. The nutritional
supplement form of germanium is known as germanium sesquioxide
or Ge-132. This is a synthetic organic product found naturally.
This form of germanium has been used to boost the immune system
and improve body system functioning. Germanium products have
been used to treat a variety of problems like arthritis, heart
disease, AIDS, cataracts and cancer. People suffering from
neurosis, asthma, diabetes, hypertension and hepatitis also
find relief after taking germanium. It is said that germanium
causes the production of interferon, which is a naturally
occurring anti-cancer agent. By boosting the activity of the
natural killer cells in the body, germanium helps the immune
system to fight invading germs. To some extent, disease states
like osteoporosis and heart disease have responded favorably to
germanium therapy. Strong oxygen regulation and antioxidant
activity is undertaken by germanium in the human body.
But there is no scientific evidence as to the benefits of
germanium. Many herbal supplements containing germanium are
mixed with possibly harmful impurities/additives, rendering
them dangerous. The use of germanium has been associated with
various side effects, so it is dangerous to use this product
without consulting a physician. Though its actual toxicity is
low, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that
supplements that contain germanium present a potential hazard
to humans. Therefore the FDA has banned the import of
germanium. At least 31 human cases have linked prolonged intake
of germanium supplements with kidney failure and even death.
Interestingly, germanium found naturally in food products do
not appear to be toxic.
Germanium products are available in powdered form or as
capsules. The peculiarity of the structure of germanium causes
it to be easily contaminated with inorganic germanium, which is
more toxic. It is unclear whether the side effects associated
with it are due to organic germanium or due to the supplement’s
interaction with inorganic germanium. In a study conducted on a
small group of humans, even small levels of germanium have been
found to be toxic. In many patients, their symptoms got worse,
and illness was compounded by side effects. Scientists are
vociferous in their warning that inorganic germanium may lead
to permanent kidney damage and even death.
Germanium may also interfere with other medications and make
certain symptoms worse (seizures, for instance). Very little is
known about the effects of germanium on pregnant women.
Therefore such women should never take germanium, unless
advised by a physician. Other ill effects include weight loss,
anemia, vomiting, muscle weakness, and numbness in the hands
and feet. The deadly effects of the toxin builds up with time,
and in the long run, symptoms get worse.
About The Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
GermaniumInfo. To learn more about germanium supplements, visit
us at http://www.germaniuminfo.com/
and
http://www.germaniuminfo.com/germaniumproducts/
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