Cobalt

Cobalt (CO) is an essential trace mineral that is a constituent of vitamin

B12. The amount of cobalt you have in your blood is dependent on the
amount that is in the soil, where your foods are grown. Only small
amounts of this mineral are required by the body.

What are the functions of cobalt?

The main function (and some say only function) is to prevent anemia. It
works with vitamin B12 in:

 the production of red blood cells, and

 to ensure the health of the nervous system.

What are the symptoms of a cobalt

deficiency?
There are no specific deficiency symptoms associated with cobalt, but as a
component of vitamin B12, anemia can result from an inadequate intake.

Food sources of cobalt

The food sources of cobalt include green leafy vegetables, meat, liver,
milk, oysters and clams.

Therapeutic uses of cobalt

It is used to help in the production of red blood cells and to aid vitamin
B12 in the prevention of anemia.

Dosage
Cobalt is part of good multivitamin and mineral supplements and some
vitamin B complex supplements. Cobalt is rarely found as a supplement
by itself. No recommended dosage has been set, but 8 mcg is suggested
as the amount that is needed in the diet.

How does the cobalt affect the body?

Cobalt is used in the body to help absorb and process vitamin B12. In
addition, cobalt helps treat illnesses such as anemia and certain infectious
diseases. Cobalt also aids in repair of myelin, which surrounds and
protects nerve cells. It helps in the formation of hemoglobin (red blood
cells). The body may use cobalt in place of zinc. Cobalt also helps regulate
and stimulate the production of some enzymes, such as thyroxine, a
thyroid hormone. It plays a role in maintaini ng your healt h.