FAQ

SoLite® Energy & Mood

What’s the recommended dosage?

 

We recommend 2-3 capsules (1.0-1.5 grams) three times daily but it varies from person to person. The benefits generally last 4-6 hours but some people gravitate to 2 capsules twice daily. Virtually anyone who responds favorably to SoLite® need not take more than three capsules at any given time. Generally we recommend not taking SoLite® later than six hours before bedtime so as not to interfere with sleep patterns.

 

How safe is SoLite®?

 

Long term toxicity of a product can be affected by numerous variables and is often tedious and costly to assess. However, there are immediate things that can be measured to establish a certain level of comfort.

LD50 is the amount of any given material required to kill 50% of a given population. LD50 data is typically stated in a dosage amount for every kg of body weight of a test subject. Hence, materials with a higher level of toxicity require a lower dosage to induce 50% mortality. (This is almost always conducted with animals for lack of human volunteers)

LD50 for SoLite®
• LD50 Rat, acute, oral > 5,000 mg /kg
• No Mortality occurred during 14 day study
• No significant gross internal findings in body cavities (cranial, thoracic, abdominal, pelvic) at fourteen days.
• Body weight was not adversely affected

Other effects were noted up to four days following exposure.
• Slight fecal/urine staining
• Soft stools
• Congested breathing
• Unkempt appearance

Study performed by Springborn Laboratories, Inc. Spencerville, Ohio

Let’s consider this data in its proper perspective. An acute dosage of SoLite® nearly 100 times higher than the reported effective dose can legitimately be considered safer than calcium carbonate, 67% safer than table salt, 92% safer than potassium chloride, and over 1000% times safer than chromium picolinate.

Human blood tests (Chem 22 LDL) following 2 weeks administration at 60mg/kg daily revealed no abnormalities with 22 parameters indicative of the heart, lungs, liver, kidney, adrenal glands, thyroid, nervous system, bones, cellular damage, and overall health and wellness.

A monitor of blood pressure and heart rate over time showed no spike in any of these parameters. However, the observation was made that more work needs to be done in this area to map the natural variation of these parameters throughout the day. This will enable us to detect more subtle changes that might well go unnoticed. So far there has been only one anecdotal report of gradual increase in blood pressure over a period of months.

A handful of people reported no adverse effects after 18 months administration at 60mg/kg daily.

 

Will SoLite® adversely affect athletic drug screening?

 

It is a common practice in competitive sports (i.e. Olympics) to screen supplements against the Medpro B SANA test. The possibility that some nutritional supplement could inadvertently interfere with this test is a prevalent concern among competitive athletes, their trainers, and officials. Passing this test demonstrates a certain level of distinction and further supports a claim that SoLite® does not exhibit drug-like activity.

Athletic drug screening (Medpro B SANA) following 2 weeks administration at 60mg/kg daily demonstrates that SoLite® will not adversely affect drug testing for 36 classes of regulated substances. We did not screen for steroids but saw no necessity for this.

 

What conditions are most likely to be benefited by SoLite®?

 

We have data on a prospective open label study that focused on five areas of interest. SoLite® does well with mild to moderate mood support, energy, and motivation. These areas show strong statistical significance with a relatively small sample size. Reduction in aggression was one area that produced marginal results but may prove statistically significant with a larger sample size. Certain cravings driven by anxiety may also be diminished with SoLite®. Currently, increased mental acuity has no statistical support.

 

You claim SoLite® acts faster than the competition. Can you be more specific?

 

Many of the supplements being sold for mood support need to be taken for up to two weeks before benefits are evident (i.e St. John’s Wort). Faster acting products like 5-HTP can produce benefits in a week, but SoLite® still takes the lead with benefits being reported as early as 15 minutes to within a few days. There is at least one report of up to a week but this is not typical.

 

What pathways does SoLite® target?

 

SoLite® targets primarily norepinephrine (noradrenalin) production and availability. This neurotransmitter helps to regulate mood and emotion. Scientists believe increased blood flow in a given part of the brain is indicative of increased brain activity. SPECT brain scans following supplementation with SoLite® demonstrate increased activity in the area of the brain responsible for the production of 70% of brain norepinephrine. This fact supports the reported benefits associated with SoLite® supplementation.

 

Can SoLite® be heated at pasteurization temperatures without degrading?

 

SoLite® was originally designed to be taken as a capsule or tablet. Certain steps in the processing of SoLite® are close to pasteurization temperatures with little or no negative impact on product effectiveness. We assume that SoLite® would withstand elevated temperatures associated with a chewable or drink but won’t know for sure until we try.

 

Are there any reported side effects associated with SoLite®?

 

Reported side effects are few and relatively mild in nature. 70% of people who supplement with SoLite® report positive benefits with mood, energy, and /or motivation.

One woman with severe food allergies reported good results for mood and energy but developed a rash in and around her mouth and a burning itching sensation on the soles of her feet. She acknowledged being allergic to certain foods relating to SoLite® ingredients. The effects of these food allergies subsided upon product termination.

One man reported minimal effects, though his spouse thought the positive change in him quite significant. After a period of months, he felt that SoLite® might interfere with his blood pressure medication.

A handful of individuals reported almond flavored burps and mild stomach upset when SoLite® was taken without food. Most, however, reported no such effects.

SoLite® is not recommended for people with 1 Thyroid conditions

Two women reported extreme depression while taking SoLite®. Both reported having pre-existing 1thyroid related conditions though it is unclear how this fact may be a contributing factor. Both reported a lift in mood upon product termination. One accelerated this with a single dose of 5-HTP suggesting a possible link with serotonin pathways.

A man reported that he and two other men also experienced increased depression while taking SoLite®. He described the onset as rapid (within 24 hours) and intense. This subsided within one day of product cessation. Two of the three men have clinically confirmed hypothyroidism. The third has never been tested. We’re not sure why, but *hypothyroidism is a common denominator whenever this undesirable result is reported.

*Since we have started screening people for thyroid conditions, these results have never been repeated.

 

Is SoLite® essentially a cocoa and almond extract?

 

No, we promote SoLite® as a cocao and almond based formulation but this description is somewhat simplistic. Both the cocoa and almond components provide actives essential to the effectiveness of the product. However, without the supporting formulation, the metabolism of these actives would be far too rapid for any extended benefits.

 

Testimonials

 

We realize that testimonials don’t hold much water within the scientific community (unless they are negative), but they can direct us to areas of interest and also alert us to undesirable situations. As people respond to SoLite®, we ask for feedback. We believe the public is entitled to this information. Place as much weight on this information as you feel prudent.

Click here to view uncensored testimonials.

 

Brain Scans

 

Evidence of efficacy, like brain scans, is required by the FDA in order to support structure function claims. The SPECT brain scan is a scientifically valid, non-invasive evaluation method to measure relative brain activity in relation to blood flow. Information regarding SoLite® on Designed Nutritional’s website has been reviewed by legal council for compliance with both FDA and FTC regulations.

Anterior Cingulate

Basal Ganglia

Deep Thalamus Limbic

 

Dietary Indoles

How much broccoli is required to get 200 mg of Indole-3-carbinol?

 

There are numerous estimates of the amounts of I3C and DIM contained in cruciferous vegetables. Most of the amounts are overestimated. This is because in most cases, calculations of available I3C and DIM are based on the measured levels of glucobrassicin in vegetables. This method relies on the erroneous assumption that most if not all of the Indole-3-glucobrassicin is converted to I3C upon chopping, chewing, or juicing. Since most glucobrassicin is actually converted to ascorbigen, the calculated amount of I3C based on this method should be reduced to at least 1/5 of what is suggested.

If ascorbigen is at least five times more prevalent than I3C as literature states and the measured amounts of ascorbigen in vegetable extracts are 2.4-5.5 mg per 100 g fresh weight, the levels of I3C and DIM are low indeed.

By this estimate, 18 kg of broccoli would provide roughly 200 mg of I3C and 20 mg of DIM. Let us know if you require any supporting documentation.

 

What is the difference between Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) and Diindolylmethane (DIM)?

 

In the stomach, I3C forms numerous compounds of which only a handful have been characterized. Reportedly, an oral dose of I3C produces at least 24 distinct indole degradation products in vivo. It is possible that some of the minor degradation products also have significant physiological effects not yet identified.

DIM is the primary degradation product of I3C, comprising 10% of the species formed upon ingestion. DIM is also the most prevalent degradation product isolated from liver tissue following ingestion of I3C. A few studies indicate that DIM is more effective than I3C at modulating certain estrogen metabolites in a desirable fashion. In regards to this particular effect, DIM is possibly 10 times more cost effective than I3C. DIM is slightly more heat stable than I3C but rapidly degrades in the presence of light.

 

How do I deal with the instability of Indole-3-Carbinol?

 

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is both heat and light sensitive and exponentially degrades under normal storage conditions. Refrigeration at or below 40º F will maintain product purity for years. However, studies indicate that all reported health benefits associated with I3C actually stem from the degradation products formed upon ingestion.

Initial laboratory analysis reveals no difference between the primary degradation products produced in the stomach upon ingestion and those produced by degradation in storage. The total dietary indole content remains constant while the indole-3-carbinol quantity varies. To deal with labeling issues, we suggest reporting “total dietary indole content” as opposed to I3C content. This still allows delivery of benefits without the expense and trouble of refrigeration. If appearance will affect customer satisfaction, it would be best to refrigerate or encapsulate with opaque capsules.

 

What are dietary indoles and how are they derived?

 

Dietary indoles are compounds formed in response to a catastrophic disruption within plant cells. They are found in a wide variety of plants but are most frequently associated with cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. When cell walls are broken through chopping, chewing or juicing, an enzyme called myrosinase is liberated and freely reacts with a family of compounds called glucosinolates to form isothiocyanates, thiocyanates, nitriles, and indoles. Dietary indoles are formed from a glucosinolate called Indole-3-glucobrassicin. There are a wide range of indole compounds with different activities and synergies.

While it is possible to extract various dietary indoles from certain vegetables, their concentration is not sufficient to make extraction economically viable. All commercial sources are almost certainly synthetic. Any source of I3C or DIM claiming to be completely natural is more than likely being misrepresented.

 

What are the possible applications for dietary indoles?

 

Dietary indoles show promise in many situations conditional upon estrogen metabolite balance. Dietary indoles are patented for relieving symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndromes, PMS and Menopause. Ascorbigen is patented for treating dry, chapped, skin. An improper estrogen balance is associated with higher risk of breast and uterine cancer. Certain dietary indoles favorably affect this balance. In 1979, scientists reported a similar estrogen link to systemic lupus erythematosis. The 2-OHE2 activity associated with I3C and DIM also favors higher levels of catecholamines essential to mood. Dietary indoles can support a positive outlook. There are similarities between uterine fibroid tumors in women and prostate hypertrophy in men. Studies indicate that both of these conditions are driven by estrogen metabolism pathways. Some studies suggest that 2-OHE2 related estrogens play an important roll in reversing these conditions.

 

What is considered a therapeutic dosage for Indole-3-Carbinol?

 

A scientific basis exists for daily dosages ranging from 200-400 mg. However, I firmly believe the therapeutic dosage for these compounds lies well below these levels. This is because identical benefits are reported for both 200 and 400 mg dosages. This indicates that therapeutic limits have not been reached. Considering this and the concentrations of indoles typically found in food, the therapeutic dosage could be as low as 10-25 mg per day. This, however, remains to be proven.

 

Do you sell smaller amounts than a kilo?

 

Yes, we do sell smaller amounts. However, there is a shipping and handling fee of $ 25.00 on an order of $ 100.00 or less.

 

I’ve read that the degradation products of Indole-3-Carbinol are harmful so Diindolylmethane (DIM) should be substituted in its place. Are you aware of this?

 

I’m aware of this claim, but for this to be true, eating broccoli should also be harmful. While it is true that I3C forms numerous other products in the stomach acid environment, it is a bit of a stretch to assume that DIM is the major benefit provider. Scientists have identified at least 23 different components formed upon the ingestion of I3C. Only a few have even been examined for biological effects. While DIM is the major degradation component at 10%, it is entirely feasible that other minor degradation products exhibit a greater biological benefit when compared on a wt/wt basis.  Several published studies have already demonstrated that the benefits associated with ingesting I3C cannot be attributed solely to DIM.  The greatest benefit was in fact realized with a mixture of I3C degradation products.
 
We must be careful to avoid the same mistake that scientists made with singling out vitamin C (L ascorbic acid). We now know that vitamin C exists in numerous forms, each one providing a unique and important function in the body. Scientists focused on I3C and DIM because of the apparent benefits associated with cruciferous vegetables. However, they initially overlooked the primary dietary indole (ascorbigen) associated with these vegetables just by the isolation method they utilized. The degradation products associated with I3C are inherent in the consumption of the cruciferous vegetables we revere. Who knows what beneficial synergies future research will uncover?

 

Specially treated DIM. Does DIM need to be specially treated to be absorbed?

 

Scientific research clearly shows otherwise. Admittedly there are a handful of individuals with digestion problems who would benefit from a product with improved absorption. There are numerous ways this might be accomplished but one must always weigh the added cost with added value. The majority of early DIM literature extrapolates heavily from published I3C research. Significant levels of DIM are reported in the liver following the consumption of I3C. This DIM is clearly not specifically treated for absorption and is chemically indistinguishable from the pure form sold as a supplement. Furthermore, published studies clearly exist for pure unmodified DIM demonstrating physiological effects and/or positive clinical outcomes. Can absorption be improved? Absolutely! Is improved absorption necessary to benefit from DIM supplementation? Absolutely not!

 

Estrogen, Estrogen metabolites, and Progesterone

 

There seems to be disagreement among scientists. Some claim that properly balancing estrogen metabolites is most important while others claim that the ratio of estrogen to progesterone is most important. What’s your opinion?

This is a difficult question. I’ve seen compelling evidence on both sides of the issue. Much has been said concerning a healthy balance of estrogen metabolites. This is apparently an important effect of both I3C and DIM. However, I’m afraid we could be misled by a correlation that is not necessarily a cause. I say this because mounting evidence supports benefits and clinical outcomes with levels of cruciferous vegetables too low to create a measurable shift in estrogen metabolites. Preliminary evidence suggests this is likely the case with dietary indole supplementation as well. In the future, the therapeutic dosage may well be keyed to clinical outcomes, and not any shift in estrogen metabolites.

Case in point, in the Indole-3-Carbinol / cervical dysplasia study published in the Gynecologic Oncology, there was virtually no difference in the clinical outcome of 400 mg over 200mg of I3C daily. This suggests levels of supplementation in excess of what is required to produce a favorable clinical outcome. It is quite possible that the maximum therapeutic dose is far below what is required to produce the “all important” shift in estrogen metabolites.

 

Indole-3-Carbinol and 4OH Estrogen. Is there a link?

 

It is commonly recognized among scientists that Rats do not metabolize estrogen in quite the same manner as humans. This is particularly true in the case of 4OH estrogen. The first successful studies conducted with Cervical Dysplasia and dietary indoles used I3C and not DIM. The whole reason DIM is now being considered in this application is because of prior success with I3C. This study demonstrated a complete remission of both type II and type III cervical dysplasia in 50% of a population within 12 weeks of 200-400mg daily administration of I3C. The remaining 50% showed marked improvement in their condition while those on placebo showed no improvement. Keep in mind that type III cervical dysplasia is just one step away from cervical cancer. Studies indicate that higher levels of 4OH estrogen actually promote cervical cancer. Therefore, if I3C supplementation at 400 mg promoted 4OH estrogen in humans, one would expect to see an increase in cancer incidence rather than a significant decrease in a precancerous condition.

 

Germanium Sesquioxide/Organic Germanium

Made in U.S.A. Germanium Sesquioxide

 

Background

From the mid to late 1980s, contaminated Germanium Sesquioxide imported from Asia reportedly caused numerous cases of renal failure and even some deaths.  This was driven mainly by sloppy process controls, the actions of unscrupulous profiteers, and ignorance on the part of consumers and scientists alike.  Different sources of germanium often failed to correctly distinguish between safe organic forms and inorganic forms reported to cause the problem.

Large quantities of Bis (2-carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide), more commonly known as Germanium Sesquioxide, have been manufactured in Utah since 1987.  Why is this so important to the nutritional industry?  An established domestic source offers several advantages to the consumer. 

Quality

Designed Nutritional's Germanium Sesquioxide is manufactured under well established process controls to strict product specifications.  In addition to raw material qualification and in-process testing, each completed batch of material is subjected to nine distinct analytical tests to positively establish the identity, consistency, and purity.  Such rigorous controls are time consuming and costly, but have paid huge dividends by way of a perfect safety track record for over fifteen years. 

Expertise

How do we effectively compete with U.S. manufactured Germanium Sesquioxide that meets or exceeds the quality of anything else out there?  Over the years, a dedicated team of PHD chemists, Engineers, scientists, and skilled technicians have optimized the manufacturing process owned by Designed Nutritional Products.  This enables us to capitalize on technology and economies of scale without compromising quality.  This level of expertise also enables us to provide uncommon technical support. 

Technical Support

Designed Nutritional provides a comprehensive certificate of analysis with every shipment of Germanium Sesquioxide and is able to supply all testing methods upon request.  Additionally, years of hands on experience, expertise, research library, and CD seminar all combine to provide a level of technical support not easily surpassed.

Legal

Import restrictions prevent Germanium Sesquioxide from legally entering the country but not from being sold.  The FDA issued an import alert against Germanium products in 1988 and again in 1995. This import alert is still in force today. This is primarily the result of the deleterious effects caused by contaminated material being imported from Asia.

In spite of this action, material continues to slip across the border.  This means that either the FDA action is not being enforced, or unscrupulous profiteers are engaged in gross negligence or fraud in order to sneak it through customs.  Designed Nutritional's domestic product is the best way to insure a legal supply.

False Allegation that no Domestic Source Exists

The individual making this allegation is trying to compete in the U.S. market with Germanium Sesquioxide he imports from Japan, in spite of import restrictions that prevent him from legally doing so.  Ask Mr. Loren how he justifies this.

The claim that no domestic supply for Germanium Sesquioxide exists is utter nonsense driven either by extreme naiveté or malicious jealousy.  Designed Nutritional's technology has been used in Utah since 1987 to manufacture large quantities of Germanium Sesquioxide each year.  Designed Nutritional is the only domestic source that we're aware of.

Designed Nutritional stands behind its "Made in the USA claim for Germanium Sesquioxide and will back any customer wishing to benefit from the quality and value this claim carries.

 

Certificate of U.S. Origin

 

Click here to view the Certificate of U.S. Origin

 

I found the import restriction for Germanium Sesquioxide you referred to, but it appears to be cancelled. Please Explain.

 

The import restriction against Germanium Sesquioxide has not been cancelled. It clearly states that an earlier alert issued in 1988 was cancelled, for the purpose of revision, with the simultaneous issuance of another in 1995. This import alert further states that germanium material can be seized if the intended purpose is for human consumption and lists various names under which someone may attempt to bring ingestible germanium into the country. In cases like this, a simple LD 50 is not considered sufficient evidence in support of lifting the import restrictions. Designed Nutritional reaffirms its earlier position that any US importer of Germanium Sesquioxide is violating import restrictions that prevent the product from entering legally.

 

What regulations govern label claims for US manufactured Organic Germanium?

 

Designed Nutritional supports both truth in advertising and truth in labeling. We abide by FTC and FDA label regulations, and we encourage our customers to follow the same industry standards.

Designed Nutritional stands behind its “Made in the US” claim for Germanium Sesquioxide and will back any customer wishing to benefit from the quality and value this claim carries.

Designed Nutritional Products encourages all of our germanium customers to use the "Made in the US" claim on their retail labels, so as to distinguish their product from illegal sources.

 

Germanium Sesquioxide Article Reprint "Peer Review"

 

Germane Facts About Germanium Sesquioxide:

The Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine

1 April 2004, vol. 10, no. 2,   pp. 337-344(8)
 
Kaplan B.J.[1]; Parish W.W.[2]; Andrus G.M.[3]; Simpson J.S.A.[4]; Field C.J.[5]
 
[1] Departments of Paediatrics, and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, and Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. [2] Parish Chemical Company, Vineyard, UT [3] Parish Chemical Company, Vineyard, UT. [4] Departments of Psychiatry and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. [5] Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Home Economics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
 
Abstract:
This paper reviews the history, chemistry, safety, toxicity, and anticancer effects of the organogermanium compound bis (2-carboxyethylgermanium) sesquioxide (CEGS). A companion review follows, discussing the inaccuracies in the scientific record that have prematurely terminated research on clinical uses of CEGS. CEGS is a unique organogermanium compound first made by Mironov and coworkers in Russia and, shortly thereafter, popularized by Asai and his colleagues in Japan. Low concentrations of germanium occur in nearly all soils, plants and animal life; natural occurrence of the CEGS form is postulated but not yet demonstrated. The literature demonstrating its anticancer effect is particularly strong: CEGS induces interferon- (IFN-), enhances natural killer cell activity, and inhibits tumor and metastatic growth - effects often detectable after a single oral dose. In addition, oral consumption of CEGS is readily assimilated and rapidly cleared from the body without evidence of toxicity. Given these findings, the absence of human clinical trials of CEGS is unexpected. Possible explanations of why the convincing findings from animal research have not been used to support clinical trials are discussed. Clinical trials on CEGS are recommended.

For a printed copy of this article call us at 1-801-224-4518.

 

Why is there so much conflicting information on Germanium safety?

 

Germanium Sesquioxide:
Safer Than Table Salt

Few nutritional products are so poorly understood and widely mistreated as bis 2-carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide (germanium sesquioxide). Germanium sesquioxide shows considerable promise in immune support by boosting levels of gamma interferon in a dose dependant fashion 1-8. Studies indicate that Germanium sesquioxide may be effective in combating certain viral 9,10 and malignant conditions 11-18. Other studies suggest benefits toward free radical damage 19-21, cataracts 22, hypertension 23, and osteoporosis 24. So why does an influential organization within the nutritional industry consider germanium sesquioxide a highly dangerous substance unfit for commerce? 25

History

Like many minerals, germanium exists in numerous forms. The form of a mineral greatly affects its biological activity and safety. Minerals like chromium, sodium, potassium, phosphorous and selenium are essential to health and wellness or even life itself. However, they also exist in forms that can be deadly. Understanding the difference between safe and dangerous forms, and the ability to positively discriminate between them is vital to the safe use of all germanium supplements.

Indistinguishable from germanium sesquioxide in appearance, germanium dioxide (GeO2) has tainted the reputation of the germanium supplement market 26-28. However, product contamination with dangerous levels of inorganic germanium occurs only as a result of extreme carelessness or a wanton act. Analytical testing is capable of detecting levels of contamination far below anything considered dangerous 29. Common sense dictates that careful processing and quality controls are necessary to insure the safety of germanium or any other supplement.

The image of germanium sesquioxide was tainted by the actions of a few reckless and un-scrupled profiteers over a decade ago. In the early to mid 1980’s when germanium supplementation was a burgeoning business, dangerous inorganic forms of germanium were sold as safe organic forms, causing numerous cases of renal compromise and some fatalities 30-33. This combined with the failure of “scientists” to correctly classify the different forms, generated considerable fear and confusion and fostered over-generalized statements on the dangers of germanium containing products. 26-28, 31, 34

A report issued in 1987 by Okuda et al. further compounded the misunderstanding. Two cases of renal toxicity were attributed to germanium sesquioxide 35. The discussion section of this publication suggested possible product contamination but still attributed the toxicity to germanium sesquioxide. However, the presence of GeO2 contamination in the Okuda et al. study was proven conclusively in a paper published the following year by Matsusaka. et al. 36. Two years later, Okuda himself revised his position on germanium sesquioxide by demonstrating the inherent safety of chronic high doses of germanium sesquioxide (240 mg/kg/day) and the toxic effects of GeO2 at 150 g/kg/day 37.

The original Okuda error of 1987 has been cited for fifteen years as evidence of germanium sesquioxide toxicity. This creates a false perception of a larger body of evidence against germanium sesquioxide. Subsequent authors of scientific publications 30, 32, 34, 38, 39 seem unaware that a correction was made in 1988 36 and that the subject of germanium sesquioxide toxicity was fully explored again in 1990 37.

The failure of published reviews to comprehensively consider published works is just a portion of the problem. Additional errors in scientific publications include the failure to distinguish the form of germanium under investigation, failure to conduct studies with a proven pure form of material, and failure to correctly classify a form as organic or inorganic.

Safety

Overwhelming evidence supports the safety of pure germanium sesquioxide. Acute and chronic exposure to extremely high doses demonstrates a margin of safety difficult to surpass 38, 40-46. Relatively speaking, germanium sesquioxide is at least 1.5 times safer than calcium carbonate 47, 3 times safer than table salt 48, 4 times safer than potassium chloride 48, and 23 times safer than chromium picolinate 49.

An import alert issued on June 28, 1988 and revised in 1995 continues to prevent legal entry of any germanium supplements 50. Fortunately, a substantial domestic source continues to supply a growing demand. With a perfect track record of safety for fifteen years, Designed Nutritional Products is a source you can trust.

Considering the possible benefits of germanium sesquioxide, the extremely low toxicity, and the ability to detect harmful levels of contaminants, germanium sesquioxide is one product that demands a closer look.

References

1. Aso H, et al. Microbiology and Immunology 1985;29(1):65-74.
2. Nakada Y, et al. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 1993;55(5):795-799.
3. Suzuki F, et al. British Journal of Cancer 1985;52(5):757-763.
4. Suzuki F, et.al. Anticancer Research 1985;5(5):479-483.
5. Suzuki F. Journal of Interferon Research 1984;4(2):223-233.
6. Suzuki F. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1985;12(11):2122-2128.
7. Suzuki F, et.al. Anticancer Research 1986;6(2):177-182.
8. Suzuki F. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1987;14(1):127-134.
9. Fujita H, Seto Y. Pharmacometrics 1990;39(4):385-388.
10. Aso H, et al. Journal of Biological Response Modifiers 1989;8(2):180-189.
11. Fujita H, et al. Pharmacometrics 1990;39(4):389-395.
12. Kumano N, et al. Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 1985;146(1):97-104.
13. Kobayashi H, et al. Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1986;13(8):2588-2593.
14. Chen F, Zhang Q. Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 1995;29(1):13-17.
15. Song WS. Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 1993;27(5):286-289.
16. Ming X, et al. Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi 1996;34(4):221-223.
17. Ikemoto K, et.al. Experientia 1996;15(52):159-166.
18. Mainwaring MG, et al. Chest 2000;117:591-593.
19. Masaki Y, et al. Transplanatation Proceedings 1989;21:1250-1251.
20. Wakabayashi Y. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2001;65(8):1893-1896.
21. Yang MK, Kim YG. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health 1999;12(58):289-297.
22. Unakar NJ, et al. Current Eye Research 1997;16(8):832-837.
23. C.C. Ho, et al. Pharmacology 1990;41:286-291
24. Fujii A, et al. General Pharmacology 1993;24(6):1527-1532.
25. NNFA Today, 16:1, 2002
26. van der Spoel JI, et al. The Lancet 1990;336:117.
27. Raisin J, et al. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1992;122(1-2):11-13.
28. Omata M, et al. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., 1986: 15-20.
29. Designed Nutritional Products analytical method archives (available upon request).
30. Krapf R, et al. Nephron 1992;62:351-356.
31. Luck BE, et al. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 1999(14):2464-2468.
32. Takeuchi A, et al. Nephron 1992;60:436-442.
33. Okuda K, et al. Clinical Nephrology 1989;31:219-224.
34. Schauss AG. Renal Failure 1991;13(1):1-4.
35. Okuda S, et al. Current Therapeutic Research 1987;41:265-275.
36. Matsusaka T, et al. Clinical Nephrology 1988;30(6 - 1988):341-345.
37. Sanai T, Okuda S, Onoyama K, et al. Nephron 1990;54:53-60.
38. Tao SH, Bolger PM. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 1997;25(3):211-219.
39. Schauss A, G. Biological Trace Element Research 1991;29(3):267-280.
40. Sanai T, Okuda S, et al. Kidney International 1991;40:882-890.
41. Anger F, et al. Applied Organometallic Chemistry 1992;6(3):267-272.
42. Obara K, Saito T, Sato H, et al. Japanese Journal of Medicine 1991;30:67-72.
43. Miyao K, et al. Washington, D.C.: American Society of Microbiology, 1980: 1527-1529.
44. Gerber GB, Leonard A. Mutation Research 1997;387(3):141-146.
45. Ishida et al. United States Patent 1984; # 4473581.
46. Proc 11th Int. Cong., Chemother. 1980; 1527-1529.
47. Fisher Scientific North Carolina catalog; Calcium Carbonate MSDS.
48. Sigma Chemical MSDS database.
49. Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals Secretariat Review of Chromium January 2000.
50. Import Alert IA #54-07 Germanium Products 1995 revision.

 

I keep hearing that no domestic supply for Germanium Sesquioxide exists. Is this accurate?

 

The claim that no domestic supply exists is utter nonsense driven either by extreme naiveté or malicious jealousy. Designed Nutritional’s technology has been used in Utah since 1987 to manufacture large quantities of Germanium Sesquioxide. We are the only domestic source that I am aware of.

Designed Nutritional stands behind its "Made in the USA" claim for Germanium Sesquioxide and will back any customer wishing to benefit from the quality and value this claim carries.

 

Is Germanium Sesquioxide legal?

 

There is nothing illegal about a domestic supply. However, the FDA issued an import alert against Germanium products in 1988 and again in 1995. This import alert is still in force today. This action was driven primarily by the deleterious effects of contaminated material being imported from China. In spite of this action, material continues to slip across the border (apparently illegally). The most common names are targeted which suggests that un-scrupled profiteers are engaged in gross negligence or fraud in order to sneak it through customs. Designed Nutritional’s domestic product is the best way to insure a reliable and legal supply.

 

There is a huge price disparity for bulk Germanium Sesquioxide. Some material is being sold as low as $800/kg and some as high as $6000/kg. What is the difference?

 

This is one product where higher price does not directly correlate with higher quality. There are a number of good sources in addition to analytical testing methods for quality screening. In the past years we have identified good material from numerous competing sources, including China. Keep in mind that contaminated Asian material is largely responsible for the tainted image of Germanium Sesquioxide today. Import restrictions also call into question the legality of bringing any foreign source into the country. It’s been years since Designed Nutritional screened the competition so I cannot vouch for consistent quality from any source other than Designed Nutritional’s U.S. manufactured product.

Material costs and labor are the primary drivers for price. Good manufacturing technology plays a more minor role. However, the price of $6,000/ kg for bulk Germanium Sesquioxide is awful hard to justify under any circumstances. I’m aware of one such source and it blows my mind that anyone can feel good about selling imported Asian Germanium Sesquioxide for such an outrageous price, especially when this vendor admittedly cannot distinguish his product from a mixture of Vitamin C and germanium dioxide. This is a terrifying confession in my opinion.

The price for bulk U.S. manufactured material is $1,340 - $1,500/kg. Since the cost of materials and labor is much higher in the U.S., all foreign material should easily compete with any U.S. price. My guess is that Asian material is originally acquired for under $1,000 which means that $6,000/kg is pure highway robbery. My advice is to keep your wallet in your pocket and your house locked.

 

I read that care must be taken when selecting a germanium source because a toxic blend of germanium dioxide and vitamin C can be indistinguishable from germanium sesquioxide by any analytical methods. Is this true?

 

I’ve read this too. Actually this is more a statement of ignorance and ineptitude than anything else. Care should be taken when sourcing any product intended for consumption. Personally I would be terrified to purchase product from someone so lacking in technical ability that distinguishing a mixture of vitamin C and germanium dioxide from true germanium sesquioxide poses an insurmountable challenge. Go to the "U.S. Manufactured Germanium Sesquioxide" page for more information. The analytical section outlines numerous tests, most of which will readily detect such a fraud.

 

Making a 10-20% solution of Germanium Sesquioxide

 

I believe that Germanium Sesquioxide in solution is much more bioavailable than the solid form. This especially holds true for material absorbed through the oral mucosa. I would categorize the solubility of Germanium Sesquioxide as moderate. Since a saturated solution has a pH of around 2.5, the solubility can be greatly enhanced by adjusting the pH. One effective way to accomplish this is through the formation of the sodium salt.

Formula for a 10% Germanium Sesquioxide Sodium Salt Solution

100 grams Germanium Sesquioxide (Designed Nutritional)
19 grams NaOH beads (plus a few grams more for fine adjustment of pH)
1 Liter of distilled water (start with 500 ml and dilute to 1 liter)
1 cup of Splenda sweetener (optional)

I use pharmaceutical grade sodium hydroxide pellets to adjust the pH to 7.0 – 7.5. Mix the Germanium Sesquioxide into a portion of distilled water roughly half the volume of the final desired dilution. Add the sodium hydroxide with stirring (this generates some heat). Once the sodium hydroxide is in solution, the Germanium Sesquioxide will dissolve. This can be expedited by heating to near boiling and stirring vigorously. Full solubility is usually achieved within fifteen minutes.

The pH is fine tuned by adding small portions of sodium hydroxide and monitoring the change with litmus paper. Be careful! The pH goes up fast after 6.0 and it’s easy to over shoot. On occasion, I have needed to adjust the pH back down with some white distilled vinegar but this tends to contribute to the unpleasant taste of the final solution. Add any flavoring or sweetening before diluting with distilled water to the final volume. Typically I pass the solution through a filter to remove extraneous material (floaters) primarily introduced by the Splenda.

This solution tastes salty and metallic. I am accustomed to the taste and can handle even a 20% solution, though most people prefer a 10% solution with some sweetener. 1 cup of Splenda low cal sweetener does nicely for one liter of 10% solution.

If done properly, this solution will provide 1 gram of Germanium Sesquioxide per 10 ml of liquid. Holding the solution in the mouth for a few minutes prior to swallowing will enhance delivery.

Proper Storage

Another item worthy of mention is proper storage of this solution.  At neutral pH and room temperature in the presence of light, things will grow over time.  This is especially true for large quantities of solution opened frequently thereby being repeatedly exposed to airborne spores and microbes.  Early evidence of this is a cloudy haze that looks like floaters absent a few days earlier.  Most of the time this is relatively harmless but it can add unpleasant “off tastes”.  To avoid this problem, I refrigerate my solution which keeps it fresh for months on end.  I have toyed with the idea of putting something in it to prevent growth (i.e. trace hydrogen peroxide, colloidal silver, etc.) but as of yet have not actively pursued this.

 

Truth and misconceptions about Germanium Sesquioxide

 

See http://www.germaniumsesquioxide.com/

 

Testimonials

 

We realize that testimonials don’t hold much water within the scientific community (unless they are negative), but they can direct us to areas of interest and also alert us to undesirable situations. As people respond to Germanium Sesquioxide (Organic Germanium), we ask for feedback. We believe the public is entitled to this information. Place as much weight on this information as you feel prudent. The following are uncensored testimonials.

Case 1

My mom can’t build blood so she goes in about every six months for iron shots and takes B-12 shots once a month. He always feels tired and weak. She also has hypoglycemia and a very bad back and hip. She is 83 years old. We started giving her some germanium (6 capsules in 1 quart of water- 1oz) each a.m. and she can get up and down and walk with much more ease. Her hip has stopped hurting. Her pain has been relieved a lot. She’s starting to want to do more because she can move around a lot better. She’s thinking [about] things like, “I want to sew the little girls some dresses.,” going out with her girlfriends to dinner, going to visit people; going to the grocery store; driving to get her hair done, and a lot of things such as cleaning out some unused corners and rooms that she just worried about before because she didn’t feel like doing it. She has more ambition now and is able to enjoy her days. Her blood seems to be staying up better. She hasn’t needed the (six-month January) shots yet and seems to have a lot more “get up and go.”

For several years now during January and February, she is in the hospital with pneumonia and congestive heart failure and I am thinking maybe this year will be different because she is feeling better. (It’s the middle of January now).

She calls it her “Jumping Juice.” That’s a good name for it. I feel the same way about it. It’s a little hard to explain but it just seems to give you an overall, healthier feeling.

I have noticed that when I don’t eat sugary foods after taking the germanium that it is more effective. Sugar seems to minimize the effectiveness against joint pain and inflexibility as well as length of time that I can keep working without tiring.

I have also noticed that I don’t get hungry ( I still eat, though). I don’t feel that you could lose weight with it but I wonder how long it would be until I actually felt hungry. However, I do eat at regular times but I don’t ever feel hungry so I tend to get real full on smaller amounts than I used to. (Unless I eat sugar; then I get hungry).

I have never noticed any side effects (except good ones). It just seems to make you feel so natural – kind of like that energizer bunny. However, when I have taken it at night (not often) I still get a really rested night’s sleep. When I get up in the night I am not stiff.

It seems to have a calming effect so you can have a desire to do the things that before you haven’t wanted to do; (sewing, laundry, clean cupboards or garage, etc.) It makes you seem to enjoy working at the odd jobs as well as breeze through the “everyday” stuff.

On days I take it (usually in the A.M.) I don’t get tired or sleepy in the middle of my day. I don’t get that “run-out-of-steam” feeling. You just move from one task to the next without even thinking about anything but pleasant things.

Also, I have tended a lot of sick children. So far I haven’t caught their illnesses. (Knock on wood). But it has really helped my immune system this year. It has felt so good not to have had an illness yet while being around so much of it.

B. Murdock

 

Shipping

How do you normally ship? Do you pay the freight?

 

We usually ship UPS ground. Freight is FOB Orem, UT.