Why do humans need cobalt

In addition, cobalt helps treat illnesses such as anemia and certain infectious diseases. Cobalt also aids in repair of myelin, which surrounds and protects nerve cells.

It helps in the formation of hemoglobin red blood cells. The body may use cobalt in place of zinc. Cobalt also helps regulate and stimulate the production of some enzymes, such as thyroxine, a thyroid hormone. It plays a role in maintaining your health. For queries or advice about pensions, contact the Northern Ireland Pension Centre.

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Enter a valid email address. This feedback form is for issues with the nidirect website only. You can use it to report a problem or suggest an improvement to a webpage. Enter your feedback characters maximum. Enter your question characters maximum. Extra comments optional. It can also replace zinc in some biochemical reactions. Cobalt is also part of the biotin-dependent Krebs cycle. This is the process that the body uses to break down sugars into energy. As part of B, cobalt is used to prevent pernicious anemia.

As part of supplements, cobalt is measured in micrograms mcg. The average adult intake of cobalt is 5 to 8 mcg per day. Trace amounts of cobalt are found in most foods. Foods high in vitamin B are the only source of cobalt used by the body. If you have a cobalt deficiency, this also means you have a vitamin B deficiency. Anemia is a main cause of a cobalt and vitamin B deficiency. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure.

If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number such as , or the local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline from anywhere in the United States.

Cobalt was once used as a stabilizer in beer foam. It caused a condition called "beer-drinker's heart," which resulted in heart muscle weakness. Usually you have to be exposed to high levels of cobalt for weeks to months to have symptoms. However, it is possible to have some symptoms if you swallow a large amount of cobalt at one time. The most worrisome form of cobalt poisoning occurs when you breathe it into your lungs. This usually will only happen in industrial settings where large amounts of drilling, polishing, or other processes release fine particles containing cobalt into the air.

Breathing in this cobalt dust can lead to chronic lung problems. If you breathe in this substance for long periods, you will likely develop breathing problems that are similar to asthma or pulmonary fibrosis, such as shortness of breath and decreased exercise tolerance.

Cobalt poisoning that occurs from constant contact with your skin will likely cause irritation and rashes that go away slowly. Swallowing a large amount of absorbable cobalt at one time is very rare and is likely not very dangerous. It may cause nausea and vomiting. However, absorbing a large amount of cobalt over longer periods of time can lead to serious health problems, such as:. If you or someone you know has been exposed to cobalt, the first step is to leave the area and get fresh air.

If cobalt came in contact with the skin, wash the area thoroughly. Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline from anywhere in the United States.