The mineral germanium, found in plants that serve as food, is marketed as a dietary supplement that distributors claim will boost your immune system, the American Cancer Society states. Proponents of germanium claim it produces therapeutic effects and can help treat certain cancers, including those of the uterus, breast, larynx, lung and bladder. People who suffer from asthma, diabetes, hypertension, chronic fatigue, hepatitis and neurosis also may benefit from this mineral supplement. Germanium does, however, carry a risk of side effects.
Drug Interactions
Germanium may cause harm to those people who need to take furosemide, a diuretic for the treatment of hypertension, RxList.com reports. You also may take furosemide if you suffer from congestive heart failure. By interfering with your therapeutic need for this drug, germanium can cause fatal complications. Increased symptoms of congestive heart failure may result, such as the buildup of fluid around the heart with shortness of breath and high blood pressure. Anti-seizure medication also may interact in a negative way with germanium, causing decreased therapeutic affects. If you have a history of illnesses associated with kidney disease, you should not take a germanium supplement, ACS recommends.
Weight Loss
You may notice a minor loss of weight as a common side effect of germanium, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports. Your scale may show this increase within the first two weeks of your use of germanium potentially because of your appetite slowing down. If weight loss becomes a problem and you continue to lose weight, consult your practitioner for help.
Anemia
Anemia may occur as a common side effect of geranium, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes. You may feel sluggish and tired because of a lack of healthy red blood cells -- known medically as anemia. You also may feel light-headed. These symptoms of anemia will come and go. You should report these symptoms to your doctor. Your physician will order lab work to check your hemoglobin for readings to check if they are within normal limits, MayoClinic.com reports.
Nausea and Vomiting
You may experience nausea and vomiting when you start using a germanium supplement, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states. An imbalance of the digestive system often occurs during the introduction of a new substance such as a supplement. This may cause the temporary and non-serious side effects of nausea and vomiting. If these side effects feel serious or severe to you, you need to speak with your doctor. You may become dehydrated if you continue to vomit liquid and food, so replenish your body by drinking extra water.
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