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Germanium

Germanium is a chemical element that is used by some people as a medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, germanium is used for cardiovascular conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease, eye conditions including glaucoma and cataracts, and liver conditions including hepatitis and cirrhosis. Some people use germanium for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, pain, osteoporosis, lack of energy and AIDS. Other uses include heavy metal poisoning including mercury and cadmium poisoning, depression, food allergies, and yeast and viral infections. Germanium is also used to improve blood flow to the brain and support the immune system. Germanium is also used as an antioxidant.

How does germanium work?

Germanium may counteract inflammation. It may also have antioxidant properties and influence the immune system.

How effective is germanium?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of germanium for cancer. Scientists are interested in germanium as an alternative treatment for various cancers including breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and cancer of the neck and head. One case report showed that all symptoms of a certain type of lung cancer disappeared after treatment with germanium. However, even if germanium turns out to be effective for some treatments, its use may be too unsafe. Some of its side effects can be fatal.

There is also insufficient scientific data on germanium's effectiveness for arthritis, pain, osteoporosis, lack of energy, AIDS, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, cataracts and glaucoma, depression, liver problems, food allergies, yeast infections, persistent viral infections and heavy metal poisoning, as well as its use as an antioxidant, to support the immune system and to improve blood flow to the brain.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of germanium in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Germanium is not safe or harmless. There have been more than 30 reports of kidney failure and deaths associated with germanium. Germanium accumulates 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.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining germanium with the following medications:

Furosemide (Lasix)

Some scientists believe that germanium may reduce the effectiveness of furosemide. However, there is not enough information to judge whether this is a major cause for concern.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of germanium depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for germanium. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

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