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MINERALS OVERVIEW
Supplement germanium is also known as bis(2-carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide) and GE-132. Other names for Germanium include: Germanium Sesquioxide, Germanium Lactate Citrate, Vitamin O, organic germanium, and Sanumgerman. Several other forms of organic and inorganic germanium exist.
Germanium is an element, a mineral. Small amounts of organic germanium are found in some plant-based foods. Inorganic germanium is mined and widely used as a semiconductor in the electronics industry. Both organic and inorganic germanium have been sold as dietary supplements, though the organic forms are more commonly used today. Ge-132 is a synthetic form of organic germanium, a form not found in nature.
Dr. Otto Warburg, a Nobel Prize winning biochemist, stated that germanium helped to increase the delivery of oxygen to cells. He believed that boosting the oxygen supply to healthy cells slowed the growth of tumors.
Germanium improves cellular oxygenation. This helps to fight pain, keep the immune system functioning properly, and rid the body of toxins and poisons. Researchers have shown that consuming foods containing organic germanium is an effective way to increase tissue oxygenation, because, like hemoglobin, germanium acts as a carrier of oxygen to the cells.
A Japanese scientist, Kazuhiko Asai, began investigating the biological properties of Germanium after reading reports from Russia, which said that the mineral had tremendous therapeutic value. In 1969, Dr. Asai founded the Asai Germanium Research Institute. He reported that he had developed a process for producing germanium that was chemically identical to the germanium extracted from plants. He found that an intake of 100 to 300 mg of germanium per day improved many illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, elevated cholesterol, candidiasis, chronic viral infections, cancer, and AIDS.
Below are some possible symptoms of a Germanium deficiency:
- Asthma
- Leukemia
- Cancer (Breast, Lung, Bladder)
- Neuralgia
- Cardiac Insufficiency
- Nephritis
- Hypertension
- Neurotic Disorders
- Hepatic Cirrhosis
- Softening of Brain Tissue
Germanium - The Health & Life Enhancer by Sandra Goodman, PH.D
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE & CANCER TREATMENTS WITH GERMANIUM
According to American Cancer Society, proponents claim germanium can be used to treat leukemia and cancers of the lung, bladder, larynx, breast, and uterus. They also claim it can help neurosis, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac insufficiency, Parkinson disease, neuralgia, chronic fatigue, hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver. Supporters say that germanium stimulates the body's production of interferon, a naturally occurring anti-cancer agent, and helps the immune system by boosting the activity of natural killer cells (a type of white blood cell), which attack invading germs. Available scientific evidence does not support these claims.
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that germanium supplements are effective in preventing or treating cancer in humans, and there are numerous reports showing that they may be harmful. A study conducted by the FDA reported that supplements containing germanium present a potential hazard to humans. As a result, the FDA has banned its import as a food supplement. However, the amount of germanium naturally found in foods does not appear to be toxic.
SOURCES
Germanium is found in all organic material, of both plant and animal origin. The following foods contain the greatest concentrations of germanium: broccoli, celery, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, milk, onions, rhubarb, sauerkraut, tomato juice, and the herbs aloe vera, comfrey, ginseng, and suma.
COMMENTS
Germanium is best obtained through the diet.
GERMANIUM SUPPLEMENTS
Germanium supplements are available in capsules ranging from 35 mg to 500 milligrams (mg), as well as in powdered form. There is no standardized dose. These supplements are available in health food stores and over the Internet.
You should consult your health care provider before starting any type of supplemental and/or dietary therapy, especially if you have health-related issues or are taking medications for any type of ailment. Consider consulting with a Naturopathic practitioner if you wish to pursue a holistic approach to germanium supplemental therapy.
Talk with your caregiver about how much Germanium you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Germanium. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.
Germanium may interfere with certain other medicines, and may make seizures worse. Drugs that can damage the kidneys may be more likely to cause harm if taken with germanium. Do not take Germanium without talking to your doctor first if you are taking water pills (examples: furosemide (Lasix), torsemide (Demadex).
Very little testing during pregnancy has been reported, but at least one form of germanium caused ill effects on fetuses in animal tests. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should especially avoid taking it.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Before Using: Tell your health care provider if you:
- Are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement).
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
- Are breastfeeding.
- Have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease.
To store this medicine: Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.
CAUTIONS
Although it is rare, some individuals may develop kidney problems or have a toxic reaction to this mineral if they take it in excessive amounts.
Before taking Germanium, consult with your midwife or health care provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.
- Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest.
- Chest pain.
- Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin.
Other Side Effects: You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.
- Anemia (low iron in blood).
- Diabetes (problems with the amount of sugar in your blood).
- Dizziness.
- Infection of sac that is around heart.
- Kidney problems.
- Muscle weakness.
- Nausea (upset stomach) and vomiting (throwing up).
- Nerve problems.
- No interest in eating.
- Thyroid gland problems.
- Weight loss.
References:
1. Kim K, Lim C & Kim S: Nephropathy and neuropathy induced by a germanium-containing compound. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1998; 13(12):3218-3219.
2. Luck B, Mann H, Melzer H et al: Renal and other organ failure caused by germanium intoxication. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1999; 14(10):2464-2468.
3. Krapf R, Schaffner T & Iten P: Abuse of germanium associated with fatal lactic acidosis. Nephron 1992; 62:351-356.
4. Higuchi I, Izumo S, Kuriyama M et al: Germanium myopathy: clinical and experimental pathological studies. Acta Neuropathol 1989; 79:300-304.
BORON SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Germanium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Germanium is a pure liquid Germanium supplement. Germanium raises the level of activity of various organs (facilitates oxygen uptake) and helps to expel harmful pollutants and arrest germ activity. Germanium serves as an electrical semiconductor, helping correct distortions in the electrical fields of the body.
Organic Germanium (Hypoallergenic), Allergy Research Group / Nutricology, 50 Caps
Pure Ge-132 Organic Germanium is a unique organogermanium compound, bis-carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide, sometimes called just germanium sesquioxide.
ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops, Cherry Flavor, 8 fl. oz.
ConcenTrace ® Trace Mineral Drops, Cherry Flavor contains some of the Most Powerful, Natural, Health Giving Trace Minerals in the World.
FOR MORE PRODUCTS & INFORMATION CLICK ON THESE LINKS:
HerbalRemedies: Germanium / Germanium Bisocarboxyethyl sesquioxide-132 / Ge-132 Supplements & Products
HerbalRemedies: Germanium / Germanium Bisocarboxyethyl sesquioxide-132 / Ge-132 Information
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