Osmium
Also known as: Os, Osmium metal, Osmium
Overview
Osmium (Os) is a hard, brittle, blue-gray or blue-black transition metal belonging to the platinum group. It is primarily found in platinum ores and is known for its extreme density and hardness. Osmium is predominantly used in industrial applications such as electrical contacts, fountain pen tips, and other wear-resistant alloys. Due to its high toxicity and reactivity, osmium is not used as a dietary supplement. Research on osmium focuses on its material properties and industrial applications rather than its potential health benefits. The element's toxic nature makes it unsuitable for human consumption or use in supplements. There are no known safe dosages or beneficial effects associated with osmium ingestion.
Benefits
There are no known health benefits associated with osmium as a dietary supplement. Its high toxicity precludes its use in any health-related applications. Research consistently highlights the dangers of osmium exposure, and there is no evidence to support any potential benefits.
How it works
Osmium does not have a known mechanism of action as a dietary supplement because it is not used in this context. Its chemical properties and toxicity prevent its consideration for use in biological systems.
Side effects
Osmium is highly toxic and can cause significant adverse effects if ingested or inhaled. Exposure to osmium compounds can result in irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingestion can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, kidney damage, and other systemic effects. Due to its toxicity, osmium is contraindicated for use as a supplement. There are no safe levels of ingestion, and all forms of exposure should be avoided. No drug interactions are applicable, as it should not be taken with any medication.
Dosage
There are no recommended dosages for osmium as a dietary supplement due to its toxicity. Any ingestion of osmium is considered dangerous and should be avoided.
FAQs
Is osmium safe to take as a supplement?
No, osmium is highly toxic and should not be taken as a supplement. Ingestion can lead to severe health complications.
What are the potential health benefits of osmium?
There are no known health benefits of osmium. Its toxicity outweighs any potential use as a supplement.
Can osmium interact with medications?
While specific drug interactions are not documented, osmium should not be taken with any medication due to its inherent toxicity.
What should I do if I accidentally ingest osmium?
Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect osmium ingestion due to its toxic nature.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9409832/ – This article discusses the biocompatibility of osmium tetroxide-based cross-linked gelatin as a platform for regenerative medicine. It highlights the use of osmium tetroxide in creating a hydrogel with tunable mechanical properties, showing its potential in biomedical applications, though not as a direct supplement.
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/m/medicinal+leeches+genus – This resource provides information on medicinal leeches, focusing on their therapeutic applications in various medical treatments. It does not relate to osmium but provides context on alternative medical treatments.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38432716/ – This study investigates the use of osmium-based complexes as potential anticancer agents. It explores the synthesis and characterization of these complexes, assessing their cytotoxicity and mechanism of action against cancer cells, indicating a potential therapeutic application but not as a dietary supplement.
- https://saiie.co.za/sites/default/files/2023-10/ISEM%20PROCEEDINGS%202023_PV%20(1)_compressed.pdf – This document discusses the use of osmium in the development of electrocatalysts for energy applications. It focuses on the material properties and catalytic activity of osmium-based materials, highlighting their potential in sustainable energy technologies, but not in dietary supplements.
- https://pubs.acs.org/journal/joceah – This journal publishes research in organic chemistry, which may include studies related to osmium-containing compounds and their synthesis. However, it does not directly address the use of osmium as a dietary supplement.
Supplements Containing Osmium

VitaComplete
Vitabase

Trace Min
Douglas Laboratories
Multi-Trace Minerals Trace-Mins
Natures Plus

Beyond Tangy Tangerine
Youngevity

Complete Multiple Natural Berry Flavor
Liquid Health

Liquid Colloidal Minerals
Healthy Natural Systems

intraKID All-In-One All Natural Raspberry Flavor
Drucker Labs

Fulvic Trace Minerals
Good State

Men's Mega Multi-Vitamin
Tropical Oasis

Ionized Trace Minerals
Tropical Oasis