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 a chemical element that can be found in trace amounts in some ores and carbon-based materials. Some people promote it as a treatment for HIV and AIDS, cancer, and other conditions.
But the purported health benefits of germanium haven’t been supported by research. Germanium can also cause serious side effects, including potentially life-threatening kidney damage.
Small amounts of germanium are found in certain minerals and plant products, including:
It’s also a byproduct of coal combustion and zinc ore processing.
Germanium comes in two forms: organic and inorganic. Both are sold as supplements. Organic germanium is a man-made blend of germanium, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Common names include germanium-132 (Ge-132) and germanium sesquioxide.
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Inorganic germanium is generally considered toxic. It’s usually sold under the names germanium dioxide and germanium-lactate-citrate.
Some people believe that organic germanium stimulates your body’s immune system and protects healthy cells. It’s touted as a remedy for a range of conditions. For example, it’s promoted as an alternative health treatment for:
The health claims made for germanium aren’t well supported by research. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, there’s no scientific evidence to support its use for treating arthritis, HIV, or AIDS. Human studies also suggest it’s not suitable for treating cancer.
Scientists are studying germanium to learn if it can help reduce the side effects of certain cancer treatments. However, more research is needed.
Germanium has been associated with a variety of side effects, some of which are very serious.
Germanium can break down your 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.
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 but is not restricted to:
- Germanium Sesquioxide
- GE-132
- GE-OXY-132
- Vitamin “O””
- Pro-Oxygen
- Nutrigel 132
- Immune Multiple
- Germax
Germanium can cause toxic side effects. For example, it can damage your liver and nerves. 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
Some people believe that germanium can help treat a variety of conditions. But germanium has been linked to serious side effects, including the risk of kidney damage and death.
Researchers are still looking into the benefits of germanium although there are no investigational new drug applications on file with the FDA for at this time. Until they identify the active ingredients and develop a form of germanium that’s proven safe to take, the risks probably outweigh the benefits.
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.
Always talk to your doctor before taking a new supplement or trying an alternative treatment. They can help you understand its potential benefits and risks. It’s important to do your homework before taking supplements.
Remember: The FDA does not regulate supplements for safety or effectiveness.
