Overview

Germanium is a chemical element. People sometimes use it as medicine.

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.

Germanium might act against inflammation. It might also have antioxidant properties and affect the immune system.

How does it work ?

Germanium might act against inflammation. It might also have antioxidant properties and affect the immune system.

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.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of germanium for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Germanium is LIKELY SAFE when taken in food amounts. A typical daily diet includes 0.4-3.4 mg of germanium.

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

When taken by mouth: Germanium is LIKELY SAFE when taken in food amounts. A typical daily diet includes 0.4-3.4 mg of germanium.

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.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Germanium is LIKELY UNSAFE due to the risk for serious side effects, including death. Don't use it.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Germanium overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of germanium depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for germanium. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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