The American Cancer Society Proves Its Dishonesty

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Other Common Name(s): Germanium Sesquioxide

Scientific/Medical Name(s): Ge

Description

Germanium is a trace mineral

Other Common Name(s): Germanium Sesquioxide

Scientific/Medical Name(s): Ge

Description

Germanium is a trace mineral. Inorganic germanium is mined and widely used as a semiconductor in the electronics industry. Organic germanium is found in some plants. Both forms of germanium may be included in dietary supplements, though the organic form is more commonly used.

Overview

There is no scientific evidence that germanium supplements are effective in preventing or treating cancer, and there is some information to suggest that they may be harmful. A study conducted by the FDA reported that products containing germanium present a potential hazard to humans.

[Karl Note:  I wrote extensively many years ago, long before the FDA did this deceptive test, about how the FDA would go about "proving" the danger of germanium -- testing "germanium oxide" instead of "germanium sesquioxide."

How Is It Promoted for Use?

Proponents claim germanium effectively combats leukemia and cancers of the lung, bladder, larynx, breast, and uterus. They also claim it can be used to treat neurosis, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, cardiac insufficiency, sinus inflammation, neuralgia, and cirrhosis of the liver. Supporters contend that germanium stimulates the body's production of interferon, a naturally occurring anticancer agent, and boosts the immune system by enhancing the activity of natural killer cells (a type of white blood cell), which attack invading microorganisms. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims.

What Does It Involve?

Germanium supplements are available in capsules ranging from 250 mg to 325 mg. There is no standardized dose. These supplements are available in health food stores and over the Internet.

What Is the History Behind It?

The late Dr. Kazuhiko Asai of Japan 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 reportedly developed a process for producing germanium that was chemically identical to the germanium extracted from plants. Dr. Asai also found that germanium was present in many common herbal remedies, including ginseng, garlic, comfrey, and aloe (see Aloe, Comfrey, Garlic, and Ginseng).

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 (see Oxygen Therapy).

What Is the Evidence?

There is no scientific evidence to show that germanium supplements promote health or increase the body's production of interferon. Germanium is not an essential element in animals or humans and does not play a role in biological processes.

Based on an animal study, one researcher in Belgium concluded that inorganic germanium is not toxic to humans and may even inhibit the growth of or destroy tumor cells. However, according to a study conducted by the FDA, at least 31 cases of kidney failure and death have been linked to products containing inorganic germanium. The FDA study did not conclusively show that organic germanium is toxic; however, because organic germanium could be contaminated with the dangerous inorganic germanium, products containing germanium present a potential hazard to humans.

Are There Any Possible Problems or Complications?

Although it is not clear if germanium supplements pose any danger for humans, some scientists warn that inorganic germanium (present in some supplements) may cause kidney failure and even death. Other adverse effects have included anemia, muscle weakness, and peripheral neuropathy (a disturbance in the nervous system). Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use this mineral.

References

Gerber GB, Leonard A. Mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and teratogenicity of germanium compounds. Mutat Res. 1997;387:141-146.

Tao S-H, Bolger P. Hazard assessment of germanium supplements. Regulat Toxicol Pharmacol. 1997;25:211-219.

Note: This information was reprinted from the American Cancer Society's Guide to Complementary and Alternative Methods. Copyright(c)2000, American Cancer Society. This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions, is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor who is familiar with your medical needs.

al. Inorganic germanium is mined and widely used as a semiconductor in the electronics industry. Organic germanium is found in some plants. Both forms of germanium may be included in dietary supplements, though the organic form is more commonly used.