COBALT

Facts

• Cobalt is a trace mineral that is an integral part of vitamin B-12. As such, the functions of cobalt are essentially the same as B-12.1
• Cobalt is primarily stored in the liver with decreasing amounts found in the spleen, kidneys and pancreas.
• Blood cobalt concentrations typically range from 80 micrograms per milliliter (mcg/ml) to 300 mcg/ml.

Functions

• Cobalt activates a number of enzymes within the body. It plays a key role in the proper functioning and promotes the formation and maintenance of red blood cells in addition to all other cells. 1
• Cobalt can replace zinc and manganese in the activation of several enzymes.

Requirements

There is not a recommended dietary allowance (RDA). The average daily intake is approximately 5 to 8 mcg.

Signs of Deficiency

According to the Nutrition Almanac,"a deficiency of cobalt may be responsible for the symptoms of pernicious anaemia and a slow rate of growth."1

Signs of Toxicity

Symptoms include: paleness, fatigue, diarrhoea, heart palpitations and numbness in the fingers and toes.1

Current Research

Please refer to the monograph on Vitamin B-12 for therapeutic applications of cobalt and vitamin B-12.

1 Dunne, L.J. Nutrition Almanac, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 1990: pp71.