Addressing the Misconception That 'All Germanium Compounds Are Dangerous' with Scientific Data

Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President and CEO: Daisuke Umehara) has systematically compiled and publicly released safety-related data accumulated over years on its proprietary material, 'Asaigermanium,' presenting it as a comprehensive safety assessment.

This paper was published on June 21, 2026, in the Journal of Food Science, an international academic journal in the field of food science.

'Asaigermanium' is a water-soluble organogermanium compound invented in 1967 by Kazuhiko Asai, the company's founder. It is currently used as a food ingredient and cosmetic raw material.

However, due to health damage incidents reported in the 1980s involving toxic inorganic germanium compounds, concerns about the safety of germanium compounds in general persist today. Nevertheless, even though they share the name 'germanium,' different compounds have vastly different structures and properties, making it impossible to evaluate their safety uniformly.

This paper comprehensively summarizes the company's proprietary organogermanium compound 'Asaigermanium,' incorporating previously unpublished data accumulated since its creation.

In addition to its chemical characteristics, the paper presents test results showing that after ingestion, Asaigermanium circulates through the body without structural changes and is subsequently excreted. Furthermore, by organizing various safety test data, the paper scientifically demonstrates the differences between Asaigermanium and the inorganic germanium compounds that caused past problems.

Key Points of the Paper

1. Clarification of Differences from Inorganic Germanium Compounds

Inorganic germanium compounds linked to past health issues and Asaigermanium differ significantly in chemical characteristics and in how they are absorbed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.

The paper compiles research data comparing germanium dioxide, an inorganic germanium compound, with Asaigermanium. It reports that Asaigermanium is not broken down into inorganic germanium within the body, does not accumulate, and is primarily excreted through urine and feces.

Concentration profile of Asaigermanium hydrolysate in blood after administration (Source: Paper Figure 3)

2. Comprehensive Summary of Multifaceted Safety Assessment Data for Use as a Food Ingredient

The paper compiles a wide range of safety assessment data, including six safety tests conducted in compliance with GLP standards (a rigorous framework for the conduct, recording, and management of tests) and human consumption studies.

Considering its use as a food ingredient, the paper consolidates multifaceted evaluation data ranging from animal testing to human consumption trials.

Summary of the Six Safety Assessment Tests (excerpted and summarized from the paper, Table 3-1, and Table 3-2)

3. Publication of Information to Promote Accurate Understanding and Safe Use

The findings presented in this paper apply specifically to 'Asaigermanium,' not to organogermanium compounds in general. Organogermanium compounds may vary in purity, structure, and other properties depending on raw materials and manufacturing methods.

By organizing and publishing safety assessment data on Asaigermanium, the company presents scientific evidence. Through this report, we aim to contribute to a correct understanding of Asaigermanium's safety among regulatory bodies, businesses, and general consumers.

About the Published Paper

Title Summary of the safety assessment data of the most common organogermanium food ingredient, Asaigermanium (poly-trans-[(2-carboxyethyl)germasesquioxane])

Authors Sota Doiyama(1), Takashi Nakamura(2)

Affiliations (1) Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd.

(2) Hakodate R&D Center of Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Journal Journal of Food Science, 2026; 91:e71204

DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.71204

Previous Safety Initiatives

The company has long conducted various safety assessments on Asaigermanium, as summarized in this paper. In 2019, it was certified under the 'Voluntary Safety Self-Inspection Certification System' by the Public Interest Foundation Japan Health and Nutrition Food Association, confirming the company's proactive safety efforts from a third-party perspective.

Our Stance on Research and Information Disclosure

As a company committed to contributing to people's health and well-being through Asaigermanium, we believe we have a responsibility to carefully explain its safety.

This review paper on safety is a compilation of evaluation data accumulated over more than 50 years. It aims to provide accurate understanding to experts and all individuals interested in Asaigermanium. Moving forward, we will continue our research and information disclosure efforts to deliver reliable, science-based information and deepen public understanding of Asaigermanium.

Company Overview

Company Name: Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 1-1-1 Manpukuji, Asao-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Shin-Yurigaoka City Building 3F

Representative: President and CEO Daisuke Umehara

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of organic germanium 'Asaigermanium' as a food and cosmetic ingredient

Official Website: https://www.asai-ge.co.jp/

Inquiries

Contact: Tomoki Saito, Planning Department, Asai Germanium Research Institute Co., Ltd.

Phone Number: 0138-32-0032

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