Germanium is a naturally occurring element found in trace amounts in some foods, such as shiitake mushrooms, garlic, tuna, and tomato juice. While it is not considered an essential nutrient, germanium has been promoted as a treatment for various health conditions, including HIV and AIDS, cancer, and other ailments. However, the purported health benefits of germanium haven't been substantiated by rigorous scientific research. Moreover, germanium, especially in its inorganic form, can lead to serious side effects, including potentially life-threatening kidney damage.
What is Germanium?
Germanium is a chemical element that exists in both organic and inorganic forms. Organic germanium, such as germanium-132 (Ge-132) and germanium sesquioxide, is a man-made blend of germanium, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Inorganic germanium is generally considered toxic and is sold under names like germanium dioxide and germanium-lactate-citrate.
Some believe that organic germanium stimulates the body’s immune system and protects healthy cells. It has been touted as a remedy for allergies, asthma, arthritis, HIV, AIDS, and cancer. However, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center states that there is no scientific evidence to support its use for treating arthritis, HIV, or AIDS. Human studies also suggest it's not suitable for treating cancer, although scientists are investigating whether it can help reduce the side effects of certain cancer treatments.
Germanium and Weight Loss: Is There a Connection?
It's tempting to believe in quick and easy weight loss solutions, such as magnetic rings. However, there is no solid evidence that germanium therapy will help you lose weight.
A quick search for "magnetic rings weight loss" yields an array of magnetic products that claim to help you shed pounds, such as:
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- Magnetic bracelets
- Magnetic toe rings
- Magnetic earrings
- Magnetic patches
- Magnetic “seeds” worn on the outer ear
Magnetic rings, bracelets, and earrings are sold under the pretense that they assist in weight loss by impacting metabolism, hunger and satiety, and circulation. These devices are purported to increase your metabolism through the north pole of the magnet. Some people also suggest that the rings and bracelets can be used in combination with acupressure, an alternative therapy technique based on the idea that stimulating certain points on the body will lead to changes within the body.
Michelle Cardel, PhD, RD, associate director of the Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, states that there is zero evidence to suggest that magnetic rings, or similar magnetic devices, aid in weight loss.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), effective weight loss can be achieved by a combination of:
- Setting a realistic goal
- Engaging in a reduced calorie, nutritionally balanced eating plan
- Regular physical activity
- Other behavior changes to help you keep on track with your goals
It is generally recommended for adults to engage in moderate-intensity aerobic activity for 150 minutes each week, but to lose weight you’ll likely need more or to cut calorie intake. Consulting with your doctor to create an individualized weight loss plan is highly recommended.
Health Risks and Side Effects
Germanium has been associated with a variety of side effects, some of which are very serious. Germanium can break down kidney tissue, causing kidney damage. In some cases, germanium can even cause chronic kidney failure and death. Due to these risks, most doctors recommend avoiding supplements that contain it.
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On April 23, 2019, the Food and Drug Administration updated their ban on the import of all germanium-containing products that are promoted as drugs or dietary supplements for human consumption. The banned list includes:
- Germanium Sesquioxide
- GE-132
- GE-OXY-132
- Vitamin “O”
- ”Pro-Oxygen
- Nutrigel 132
- Immune Multiple
- Germax
Taking products that contain germanium may cause:
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Problems with your muscle coordination
- Problems with your peripheral nerves
- Elevated liver enzymes
Germanium in Foods and Supplements
Small amounts of germanium are found in certain minerals and plant products, including:
- Argyrodite
- Germanite
- Garlic
- Ginseng
- Aloe
- Comfrey
It’s also a byproduct of coal combustion and zinc ore processing.
While there may still be some organic germanium products available for purchase in the United States, evidence suggests that germanium may be more menace than miracle. Supplements often contain many ingredients. Germanium is marketed as a supplement and is not regulated by the FDA. Products may differ in formulations and strengths, and labels may not always match contents.
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Magnetic Rings: Are They Harmful?
Magnetic rings might not help you lose weight, but there could be a problem in trying them anyway. Magnetic rings might interact with imaging tests and medical devices.
Wearing acupressure magnets (or any magnet) can be very harmful or compromise test results if you have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, which your doctor might prescribe if you have certain conditions. The possibility of creating a magnetic projectile, combined with risk to the machine are why there are very strict rules regarding magnets in the scan room.
Magnetic rings may also be harmful to people who wear devices such as pacemakers, which regulate heart rhythm. Speak with your doctor if you have any medical devices before trying any magnetic jewelry. Note that any kind of small magnet, including magnetic jewelry, may pose a hazard to small children if swallowed.
Germanium in Healing Waters
Miracles are said to spring from waters of the grotto in Lourdes, France. In 1858, a young girl claimed that the Blessed Virgin Mary had visited her several times at the grotto. The girl said she was instructed to drink and bathe in the waters. Since then, more than 7,000 cures have been attributed to Lourdes. Some say that the high germanium content of the water may have something to do with it. Germanium is found in mineral waters in Japan, Korea, and regions of Europe touted for their healing benefits; and certain “curative” natural springs are also high in germanium.
Germanium and Immune Function
One quality of Ge-132 leading to its clinical use is its action as an immunostimulant. Genetic assessment has shown that the greatest impact of Ge-132 is on immune activation, with the expression of more than 60 genes being affected by its intake. Specifically, Ge-132 has been shown to augment the immune response by enhancing natural killer (NK) cell activity and increasing interferon (IFN)-γ. Multiple studies have shown these effects, with a peak IFN-γ response occurring at 24 hours. Findings such as these have prompted investigations in settings of malignancy, where healthy immune surveillance and NK cell activity is paramount. These immunostimulating effects have also led to the study of germanium as an agent to improve the effectivity of vaccinations.
Germanium as an Antioxidant
The antioxidant effects of organic germanium have also been investigated in numerous cellular and animal models.
Germanium and Organ Damage
Prolonged consumption of inorganic germanium can have serious adverse effects including loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, headaches, kidney damage and failure, muscle and nervous system damage and dysfunction of multiple organs.
Germanium and Other Health Conditions
Germanium supplements and germanium-rich water are used as medicinal supplements in the treatment of a number of conditions such as cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases and others, but there are no scientific studies supporting its health benefits.