Daily dose

WHO daily dose recommendation: 1µg

Properties

• Promotes red blood cell development
• Metabolism of iron (in the formation of blood cells), synthesis of thymidine (a component of DNA), choline and thymidine (able to bind to adipose tissue and protect the liver)
• Cobalt directly activates certain enzymes such as serum arginase and phosphatase.
• Vasodilator
• Antagonist of adrenaline, which regulates the sympathetic and parasympathetic neurovegetative systems, and therefore acts in all spasmodic states.
• Hypoglycaemic and, in combination with nickel and zinc, effective in hepatopancreatic disorders

Indications

• Hypertension
• Haemorrhoids
• Anaemia
• Migraine
• Hiccups
• Spasms
• Nervousness
• Palpitation
• Anxiety
• Digestive blockages
• Hepatopancreatic disorders
• Circulatory problems
• Vegetarian and vegan diets

Requirement

Cobalt deficiency has not been scientifically proven.

On the other hand, vitamin B12 deficiency is known to cause fatigue, loss of appetite, macrocytic anaemia and memory problems.

Excess

In cases of high cobalt exposure, vomiting and nausea, thyroid dysfunction, vision and heart problems have been observed.

Interactions (with other nutrients)

Cobalt is closely linked to the metabolism of vitamin B12, so it is very important to ensure that you have sufficient levels of these two micronutrients.

In this regard, vitamin B12 and cobalt supplementation is often essential for vegetarians and vegans to prevent anaemia.

Chemical properties

Cobalt is a silver-white transition metal with an atomic number of 27.

The atomic symbol for cobalt is Co and its atomic weight is 58.933194 u.

This metal belongs to the iron group, with which it shares many physical properties.

Cobalt-60 is a radioactive isotope of cobalt.

It is used as a source of radiation, particularly in radiotherapy to treat cancer, and in the food industry to sterilise certain foods.

Observations

Cobalt is an essential trace element for all cells in the human body.

It is a component of vitamin B12.

Nutrients that contain cobalt

Cobalt is found in almost all foods, in animal foods in the form of vitamin B12.

Food, portion size, amount of cobalt (μg)

• Biscuits and cereal bars, 100g = 5.8
• Dessert creams, 100g = 4
• Sweets, 100g = 2
• Potatoes, 100g = 0.8
• Fruit and vegetables, 100g = 0.5
• Fish, 100g = 0.3
• Meat, 100g = 0.2