Cobalt - Minerals - Vital Health Zone

Cobalt
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Why cobalt is good for you
Important cobalt facts
Groups at risk of cobalt deficiency
Symptoms of cobalt deficiency
Cobalt and health
Cobalt in foods
Cobalt recommended daily intake (RDI)
Cobalt works best with
Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for cobalt

Why cobalt is good for you

Cobalt is an essential trace mineral that is a constituent of vitamin B12. Cobalt is a necessary cofactor for making the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Cobalt also aids in forming haemoglobin ( and healthy red blood cells).

Important cobalt facts

Cobalt is a part of the vitamin B12 molecule
The liver stores most of the body's cobalt

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Groups at risk of cobalt deficiency

There has never been a reported case of cobalt deficiency, as so little of it is required in the diet.

Strict vegetarians or vegans – since vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is found naturally generally in animal foods in high enough levels, a deficiency of cobalt may occur if vegetarians/vegans do not get sufficient amounts from the plant foods in a vegetarian diet

People in these groups at risk of deficiency who wish to take a cobalt supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.

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Symptoms of cobalt deficiency

Cobalt is necessary to make vitamin B12. A deficiency of cobalt may lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and lead to pernicious anaemia.

Symptoms of pernicious anaemia:

weakness and tingling in the arms and legs
sore tongue
nausea, appetite loss, weight loss
bleeding gums
balance problems
pale gums, lips, tongue
confusion, headache and poor memory

Cobalt and health

Anaemia - some research shows that cobalt may assist in treating anaemia that does not respond to other treatment

People who wish to take a cobalt supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.

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Cobalt in food

Cobalt is found predominantly in:

Some beers contain high levels of cobalt.

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Cobalt recommended daily intake (RDI)


RDA	0.12mcg
TOLERABLE UPPER LIMIT	1-2mcg

TOXIC LEVELS	> 30mg

The tolerable upper limits should only be taken for short periods and only under medical supervision.

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Cobalt works best with

vitamin B12

Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for cobalt

Dosage over 30mg a day produce the following, short-term symptoms:

nausea
vomiting
diarrhoea
skin rashes
hot flushes

CAUTIONS

High doses of cobalt interferes with iodine uptake and therefore results in goitre and hypothyroidism
Ingestion of cobalt powder on a regular basis can cause pneumonociosis - a lung condition
Dermatitis has been reported on contact with cobalt
High amounts of cobalt for long periods of time could adversely affect the heart and might decrease fertility in men

Last reviewed: 1 January 2010 || Last updated: 1 January 2010

references

Griffith, HW. Minerals, Supplements and Vitamins - the Essential Guide. 2000 Fisher Books
Osiecki, H. The Nutrient Bible. Bio-Concepts Publishing QLD, 2002
Whitney EN, Cataldo DB, Rolfes SR. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition, 6th Edition. Wadsworth/Thomson Learning, 2002

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NOTE: Mega doses of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other supplements cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of nutrient supplement.

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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references