Author(s)

Lingjun Li¹, Tao Ruan¹, Yingnan Lyu², Bangyuan Wu^1,3*

¹College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong, China.
²Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
³Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (China West Normal University), Ministry of Education, Nanchong, China.

An increasing number of researches have been focused on the relationship between trace elements and animal health. Germanium, as a widely used trace element, exists ubiquitously as germanium or germanium compounds in the living environment of human and animals, and plays important roles in animal production or health. With the intensive study of the physiological function of germanium and its compounds, the effects of germanium on animal physiological functions and health have been gradually confirmed. In this review, we discuss the metabolic distribution, physiological characteristics, biological functions, germanium deficiency and germanium toxicity. Furthermore, we focus on the effects of germanium or germanium compounds on the immunity of animals. It is concluded that germanium or germanium compounds not only has positive effect but also has negative effect on animals. This review aims to provide a reference for the future research or application of the germanium or germanium compounds on animals or human beings.

Germanium, Germanium Compounds, Physiological Function, Toxicity, Immunity

Li, L. , Ruan, T. , Lyu, Y. and Wu, B. (2017) Advances in Effect of Germanium or Germanium Compounds on Animals—A Review. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 5, 56-73. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2017.57006.