Overview
Although germanium is found in micro-trace quantities in all living plants and animals, it appears not to be an essential
nutritional substance. Its acute toxicity is low, but not zero.
The
health claims often made for germanium supplements seem absurdly broad,
and most of these claims have never been tested scientifically. But
some claims have been tested and these suggest that germanium is an
immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory with possible value against
- leukemia, and cancers of the colon, prostate, breast, lung, ovaries, cervix
- rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism
- osteoporosis
- amyloidosis
- DNA damage induced by free radicals
- pain
- heavy metal poisoning
- viral infections such as herpes
The mechanism through which germanium exerts its biological effects is not understood. If used in excessive amounts germanium
compounds can cause kidney damage.
