HC Deb 31 October 1989 vol 159 c124W
Mr. Key

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he can give to AIDS sufferers and others on the use of dietary supplements containing germanium.

Mr. Freeman

Dietary supplements containing germanium have been sold in health stores, pharmacies and by mail order. Product literature and articles sponsored by manufacturers claimed or implied potential health benefits, including an improved immune response. However, the Department of Health has no evidence that germanium is beneficial to health, and a report from Japan suggests that, taken as a dietary supplement, it may actually be harmful. The Department of Health has therefore advised that sales and consumption of dietary supplements containing germanium should cease.

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