This little known trace mineral, Germanium, can be used to eliminate unhealthy cell growth, boost immunity, improve bone health, decrease pain associated with osteoarthritis, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. 

Clearly, germanium’s health benefits are numerous. So why isn’t it better known? This mineral has been shrouded in controversy since the late 1980’s to 1990’s after reports of toxicities and deaths associated with its use. Is it safe? Read on to find out.

What is Germanium?

Germanium is considered an “ultra-trace mineral” because it is present in all living plant and animal matter in very small, micro-trace quantities. At this time, it is not considered an essential mineral for living organisms. Germanium supplements first became popular in the 1980s, and ever since, there has been considerable confusion surrounding the safety of this trace mineral. To clear up this confusion, an understanding of the different forms of this trace mineral is needed.

First of all, this trace mineral is too reactive to be found in its natural, unbound form on Earth. Therefore, it generally exists in two forms, either organic or inorganic. The organic forms of this trace mineral contain carbon atoms, and the inorganic forms do not. Often, there is confusion surrounding the use of the word “organic,” and when referring to minerals, “organic” does not refer to how it’s grown (it’s a mineral, and it’s mined); organic means there are carbon atoms bonded to the germanium mineral.

It is important to know that the organic form, germanium sesquioxide (GE-132), is the safe form that is used in supplements, while the inorganic form, germanium dioxide, has been found to be toxic.

Health Benefits of Germanium

Decreases Unhealthy Cell Growth

In animal studies, germanium sesquioxide has been shown to have effects on mutated cells, including the destruction of these cells, the increase of immune cells that kill unhealthy cells, and the protection of cells that have been exposed to carcinogens. Human studies have yet to be done, but initial research is promising. It has potential use in various types of disease caused by unhealthy cell formation, especially mutated cells found in the breasts, the colon, the prostate, and the lungs.

Supports Immune Function

Germanium sesquioxide has been shown to boost immunity in a number of animal studies and has been shown to be antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic. It can be used to boost immunity in AIDS and has been shown to reduce symptoms caused by the Epstein - Barr virus.

Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Regulation

It is also used to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, to reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and to treat diseases of the eye such as glaucoma and cataracts. 

Heavy Metal Detoxifier

It has also been used to treat heavy metal poisoning from mercury and cadmium, and has been used to increase oxygen circulation to the brain.

How Does Germanium Work?

Germanium’s ultra-trace mineral actions within the body are poorly understood at this time. However, research is showing that it boosts immunity by increasing natural killer cells and white blood cells. Also, germanium sesquioxide has been shown to inhibit the growth of parasites and mutated cells.

Using Germanium Supplements

Pure organic germanium sesquioxide (GE-132) is available in capsules for supplementation. You should purchase supplements of this trace mineral only from reputable manufacturing companies to ensure you are getting pure organic sesquioxide, with out potential contamination with inorganic forms.

Important Information

The controversy surrounding this trace mineral has to do with the toxicity associated with inorganic forms of germanium. Studies have shown that germanium dioxide, an inorganic form of this trace mineral, is toxic and can cause kidney failure, liver damage and death. However, the pure organic form, germanium sesquioxide, is considered safe, and there are no reports of toxicity occurring from it. One case study showed no adverse effects with supplementation of low-dose germanium sesquioxide after four years.

Interestingly, germanium sesquioxide is water soluble, is rapidly removed from the blood and does not accumulate in body tissues. However, inorganic forms of this trace mineral have been shown to accumulate in body tissues, causing systemic toxicity.