Cobalt

Cobalt is mostly found in the liver, kidneys, bone marrow, pancreas, brain, and blood. When there is enough iron and copper in the body, cobalt promotes hemoglobin synthesis and the maturation of erythrocytes. Additionally, it is part of vitamin B12. Cobalt is also necessary for optimal iodine absorption in the body. This trace element is essential for the body, with the minimum human cobalt requirement being around 0.043 µg. The daily norm for vitamin B12 is 3 µg. An excess of this element in the body decreases appetite, has a toxic effect on the myocardium, and can lead to anemia. Cobalt deficiency may occur when the body does not receive vitamin B12 or when the absorption of this vitamin is impaired, lacking hydrochloric acid in the stomach juices. The main source of cobalt is vitamin B12, which is obtained from meat products. Relatively large amounts are found in the liver. However, there is very little cobalt in dairy products. Cobalt can be a cause of anemia, gastritis, pneumosclerosis, chronic bronchitis, various cardiovascular diseases (tachycardia, cardiomegaly), thyroid diseases, dermatitis, and other disorders.