Years ago, Germanium (Ge) used to be readily available around the globe, but it was taken off the shelves
in many countries after some practitioners, and patients themselves, started using it to treat cancer,20 and
after reports of kidney damage surfaced from using germanium dioxide (not germanium lactate / citrate),
following its supplementation.
However, the organo-germanium form, bis-carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide (Ge-132), developed by
Kazuhiko Asaia of Japan in 1967, is a safe and effective compound that can be used for a variety of medical
problems ranging from viral infections to cancer, which require improved oxygenation and immune support.
GE-132 is further known to enhance the immune system by stimulating the production of natural killer cells
and lymphokines such as IFN (Y), interferon, macrophages and T-suppressor cells.
Both, germanium and silicon have somewhat of a blood thinning effect: Germanium, by inhibiting calcium and
increasing phosphorus, - and silicon, by inhibiting magnesium and increasing sodium retention. Individuals
who most benefit from extra germanium (provided its levels are below-normal) are those who would generally
also benefit from the blood-thinning effect of alcohol, but for whatever reason will not, or cannot consume any.
They include people with either very high VLDL triglyceride levels, low protein and/or phosphorus, very high
calcium, and/or those suffering from poor peripheral circulation due to atherosclerosis.
Blood thinners, omega 3 EFAs, and alcohol increase germanium levels, while in contrast to alcohol, all other
simple sugars or carbs - but not complex carbs - lower its levels, and as mentioned above, there is typically
an inverse relationship between low germanium, and raised VLDL triglycerides.
With some variation, the same principle of what applies to germanium also applies to silicon. Blood thinners
and alcohol increase silicon levels, however, instead of an omega 3 EFA / germanium interaction, there is an
omega 6 EFA / silicon interaction, where one helps raise the other (and vice versa), while saturated fats and
transfatty acids (but not poly or monounsaturated fats) inhibit silicon. There is also an inverse relationship
between low silicon levels and raised LDL cholesterol.
Calcium is the most potent germanium antagonist, with phosphorus being synergistic with germanium, while
magnesium is the most potent silicon antagonist, with sodium being synergistic with silicon. This mutual
calcium-germanium and magnesium-silicon antagonism however only takes place at close to normal levels.
As calcium levels become excessively high, they will progressively inhibit germanium absorption to a point
where supplementation of even larger amounts of germanium will no longer result in increased levels, neither
will germanium be able to lower calcium any longer.
Likewise, excessive magnesium intake will increasingly inhibit silicon absorption, no matter how much silicon
is supplemented, and at which point silicon will no longer be able to lower magnesium. Only by raising sodium
or phosphorus levels (and decreasing magnesium and/or calcium intake) is it possible to raise germanium or
silicon levels again, following the inhibiting action of phosphorus on calcium, and/or sodium on magnesium.
Provided levels match requirements, Leg Ulcers may respond to (internal) silicon / silica supplementation
when used for right-sided occurrences, and germanium supplementation may be used for left-sided cases.
Unless caused by an infection or blood clot, some people find Silica Gel helpful for swollen, burning or painful
veins when applied topically (rubbed into the skin), although other home remedies such as Vicks VapoRub,
Hand Sanitizer Gels used to kill germs, plain Honey (in acute cases), or Horse Chestnut Extract - when
related to chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins - may be equally effective. ¤
Germanium & Silicon / Silica
The information presented is based on Cellular trace mineral analysis - not Serum / Blood measurements.
RDA/DRI, synergists, antagonists, deficiency/overdose/toxicity symptoms are listed at the bottom of the page.
Both elements share left / right-sided cell receptors and are considered essential to human health. Silicon is
usually supplemented in the form of Silica (silicon dioxide) in capsules from horsetail extract, and it can be
taken either internally or applied externally as Slica Gel. Silicon can also be obtained by taking clay internally,
where some types of clay, such as Luvos Heilerde (medicinal earth) contain more than 28% of silicon dioxide.
Possible side effects from the (internal) use of Silica Gel include skin rash or stomach irritations, while silica
from horsetail extract is usually well tolerated, although some skin changes may develop on rare occasions
with excessive supplementation. With the potential of clay causing constipation from internal use (unless
taken with sufficient amounts of water), clay may benefit those suffering from diarrhea, (ulcerative) colitis,
and Crohn's disease, for which a very high intake of Vitamin D is beneficial as well. In contrast to nutritional
forms of silicon, "Silicone" products - with an "e" at the end - are manufactured siloxane polymers.
Silicon (Si) is present in more than one fourth of the earth's crust and is widely distributed in the soil, plants
and water. In the body, silicon is found in highest concentrations in connective tissues such as collagen, ten-
dons, cartilage, the trachea, blood vessels (particularly the aorta), eyes, dental enamel, bone,19 hair, and
skin, specifically the epidermis. Silicon-deficient diets resulted in retarded growth, poor bone development,
and more atherosclerotic arterial plaques in animal studies. Silicon has a similar healing potential on cartilage
and joint degeneration as sulfur, so both can be helpful for various types of arthritis.
Next to Bioflavonoids, silicon (or silica) are helpful in keeping blood vessel walls healthy, and it has been
found that silicon concentrations of the thymus, skin, aorta and other arterial vessels decrease with increasing
age and with the onset of atherosclerosis, which is reversible to some extent with oral or intravenous doses of
silicon. Silica promotes the union of bone after a fracture, in contrast to calcium, which can actually slow
the healing process or interfere with it altogether, especially when calcium levels are on the high side.
Germanium Synergists:
Phosphorus, iron, manganese, Vitamin C, niacinamide,
niacin, omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), alcohol,
Germanium Antagonists / Inhibitors:
Calcium, zinc, copper, pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5),
all simple carbs / sugar (except alcohol).
Silicon Synergists:
Sodium, manganese, iron, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1,
choline, omega 6 essential fatty acids.
Silicon Antagonists / Inhibitors:
Magnesium, potassium, chromium, Vitamin B2,
Vit B5, Vit B6, saturated fats, transfatty acids.
Germanium:
Cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, higher
risk for several cancers, osteoporosis, arthritis,
weakened immune system, decreased oxygen.
Silicon / Silica:
Cartilage / joint degeneration, osteoporosis,
dry / brittle nails and hair, headaches, cardio-
vascular disease, vascular degeneration.
Silica helps in the maintenance of healthy-looking
hair, healthy connective tissue and blood vessel
walls, and strong bones and nails.
Germanium
Bruising, skin rash, peripheral neuropathy, weight loss,
decreased RBC count, neurotoxicity, liver damage,
kidney damage (high doses of inorganic germanium).
Silicon / Silica:
Bruising, stomach irritations (silica gel), skin
rashes / irritations.
By Inhalation: Silicosis.
From Horsetail: Low potassium, dehydration,
Vitamin B1 deficiency, may produce symptoms
of nicotine exposure due to nicotine content.
Silicon / Silica Sources:
Horsetail, whole grains, oats, rice, barley, onions,
lettuce, beer, well water, comfrey, root vegetables,
nettle. ¤
Germanium Sources:
Ginseng, garlic, aloe vera, sushi, comfrey, chlorella,
watercress, waternut, boxthorn, shiitake mushroom,
onions, whole wheat, dairy, meat.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Cellular / Intracellular Attributes and Interactions:
Low Levels (Deficiency - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors) Therapeutic Indications:
High levels / Overdose / Toxicity / Negative Side Effects - Symptoms and/or Risk Factors:
___________________________________________________________________________________
General recommendations for nutritional supplementation: To avoid stomach problems and improve tolerance,
supplements should be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal. When taken on an empty stomach or
after a meal, there is a greater risk of some tablets causing irritation, or eventually erosion of the esophageal
sphincter, resulting in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). It is also advisable not to lie down right after
taking pills. When taking a large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is better to split it up into smaller doses
to not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients supplemented at lower amounts.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright © 2000-2012 Acu-Cell Nutrition - Silicon / Silica & Germanium
Acu-Cell Nutrition
___________________________________________________________________________________
2012 Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) - Adequate Intake (AI) - Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)
Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) - Recommended Dietary Allowance / Intake (RDA / RDI)
Germanium:
DRI (RDA): none
0-12 months
1-10 years
11-18 years males
19 + years males
11-18 years females
19 + years females
suggested:
2mg - 3mg
2mg - 3mg
2mg - 3mg
2mg - 3mg
Silicon / Silica:
DRI (RDA): none
0-12 months
1-10 years
11-18 years males
19 + years males
11-18 years females
19 + years females
suggested:
0.3mg - 0.5mg *
1mg - 5mg
10mg - 25mg
10mg - 25mg
10mg - 25mg
10mg - 25mg
Estimated daily intake of Germanium from food and
water is 0.5mg - 2mg / day.
Germanium requirements increase with simple sugar
intake, and they decrease with alcohol intake.
Estimated daily intake of Silicon / Silica from food
and water is 5mg - 20mg / day.
* based on Silicon content in human breast milk.
UL: n/a
Therapeutic Range: 25mg - 3,000mg
Best time to take Germanium: Earlier in the day,
with some food to prevent stomach upsets, but not at
the same time with germanium antagonists listed below:
UL: 760mg (elemental)
Therapeutic Range: 10mg - 300mg +
In the form of Horsetail: 500mg - 6,000mg
Best time to take Silicon / Silica: Anytime during
the day, with some food, but not at the same time
with silicon / silica antagonists listed below:
Germanium
Silicon
Home Sitemap Links & Downloads Flu Remedies The Clinical Research Resource for Cellular Nutrition & Trace Mineral Analysis
Updated: 15. Jan. 2012