Germanium supplement

Germanium is a non essential trace mineral. As of yet, there has been no Recommended Daily Amount determined by the FDA. Germanium is found on in most plants and is abundant on the surface of the earth. The use of a Germanium supplement began in Japan in the early 1970s. However, it is thought by taking a Germanium supplement can result in an overdose and cause liver damage and various other health problems so caution must be exercised when using these supplements.

Natural Germanium is found in plentiful supply in plant foods like vegetables, seeds, bran and wheat. Garlic, ginseng mushrooms and comfrey all contain large amounts of natural Germanium. This trace mineral taken in supplement form is thought to help relieve arthritis, asthma, allergies, diabetes, neuralgia, food allergies, yeast infections and leukemia. It is also beneficial in treating Epstein Barr Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Reynard’s disease, angina, strokes, burns, and the pain associated with cancer. Germanium supplements can also help lower blood pressure and treat hypertension. It is also useful to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Germanium supplements are also thought to help build a healthy immune system. Using Germanium supplements can help to increase the function of oxygen in the system and is useful as an antioxidant.

There are two forms of this trace mineral that are used in supplements. The organic form of Germanium used is called germanium sesquioxide or germanium 132. It has a carbon bond. The inorganic form is called germanium dioxide because it lacks a carbon bond. The role of germanium in the diet is still unclear. However, it is known that a germanium deficiency can lead to a weakened immune system. The belief now is that this trace mineral causes the production of interferon which is a natural cancer fighting agent. This may be the reason that boosting germanium levels can help increase the production of T Cells which are natural cancer killing cells. However, there are not scientific studies that have been done to substantiate this claim.

Taking the inorganic form of Germanium supplements mixed with herbs has been known to cause some serious and dangerous side effects. Supplements sold containing Germanium dioxide has been known to become easily contaminated with a toxic substance called GE02 and can be dangerous. The problem was disovered when supplements sold in the Asian market were grossly contaminated with GE02. It has been reported that 31 people have died due to kidney failure when using such supplements. For this reason, synthetic or inorganic germanium supplements are considered toxic. Since 1987 however, scientists have been able to correctly identify the different forms of Germanium and now the belief is that organic Germanium is safe to use in supplements. Nevertheless, the Food and Drug Administration, (FDA) in the United States has determined that such supplements can be hazardous to the health. The result is that the FDA has banned the importation of Germanium supplements. However no toxicity has been associated with the germanium found naturally in natural whole foods or in its organic form germanium sesquioxide used in certain supplements.

The inorganic germanium supplements have given the germanium supplement market a really bad reputation. However, analytical testing can be done to determine the level of contamination, if any in these supplements and testing is done by reputable companies in the supplement industry. There is now evidence that can support the safety of Germanium sesquioxide supplements. Before supplementing with Germanium it is best to consult your medical practitioner first however. This is especially true if you are pregnant, a nursing mother or taking any prescription medications as Germanium supplements may interfere with certain medications. Germanium supplements can be purchased in powdered form or capsules. It is best to take the Germanium supplement that has germanium sesquioxide listed as the main ingredient on the label.

Last updated on Sep 14th, 2010 and filed under Vitamins and Minerals. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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