Cobalt

In healthcare, cobalt as a trace mineral is a vital element in the production of a very essential vitamin cobalamin (vitamin B₁₂). Itt is a component of the vitamin B₁₂ molecule.
Nerve cells are surrounded and insulated by myelin layer and cobalt is necessary for the formation of myelin and its repair.
This cobalt containing vitamin helps the production of red blood corpuscles.
The protein synthesis is achieved with the help of cobalamin.
Carbohydrate and fat metabolisms are controlled by cobalamin.
In treating certain infections and anemia, cobalt has been found to be effective.
This mineral is also found to stimulate and regulate certain enzymes.
Cobalt deficiency is B₁₂ deficiency.
Its deficiency on the long run can cause loss of myelin from nerve cells.
The white blood cells and blood platelets numbers get reduced.
The enlargement of red blood cells is also noticed in deficiency.
If the deficiency is continued for long time the damaging changes become irreversible especially of the nervous system.
Cobalt can cause toxicity in excess while supplemented.
The symptoms may include asthma, anxiety and general weakness.
Cardiac symptoms like chest pain and pain running down the shoulder to arms may be experienced.
The solution is immediate withdrawal of B₁₂ supplementation.
Cobalt is available in our diet from animal sources like sea foods, organ meat, eggs, dairy products and poultry products.
Cobalamin is also synthesized by gut bacteria.

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