| 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
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).
- Cobalt is a part of the vitamin B12 molecule
- The liver stores most of the body's cobalt
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 (cobalamin) 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 their 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.
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
- 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.
Cobalt is found predominantly in:
Some beers contain high levels of cobalt.
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.
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
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
