publication . Article . 1997

Hazard assessment of germanium supplements

Name: Hazard assessment of germanium supplements
Keywords: Toxicology, General Medicine

P.M. Bolger; S H Tao;

Open Access

Published: 01 Jun 1997

Summary

Abstract

Germanium-containing dietary supplements became popular in the 1970s in Japan and later in other countries, as elixirs for certain diseases (e.g., cancer and AIDS). Germanium is not an essential element. Its acute toxicity is low. However, at least 31 reported human cases linked prolonged intake of germanium products with renal failure and even death. Signs of kidney dysfunction, kidney tubular degeneration, and germanium accumulation were observed. Other adverse effects were anemia, muscle weakness, and peripheral neuropathy. Recovery of renal function is slow and incomplete even long after germanium intake was stopped. The total dose of ingested germanium (as ...

doi: 10.1006/rtph.1997.1098

pmid: 9237323

Subjects

free text keywords: Toxicology, General Medicine, Nephrotoxicity, Chemistry, Toxicity, Surgery, medicine.medical_specialty, medicine, Liver function, Germanium dioxide, chemistry.chemical_compound, Acute toxicity, Kidney, medicine.anatomical_structure, Renal function, Physiology, Germanium, chemistry.chemical_element

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