Cobalt

The importance of cobalt in the maintenance of your health is often overlooked. With all the information that surrounds the use of antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals, ignoring this nutrient may hamper your health.

Most of us don’t know or understand the role of cobalt in our bodies. We did a little digging to highlight the importance of the nutrient in your daily diet.

1. Vitamin B12
The most important role of cobalt stands in the production of vitamin B12, also known as ‘Cobalamin’. The human body is unable to produce vitamin B12 on its own and hence needs it from external sources. So, if you’re thinking of popping cobalt supplements without having enough vitamin B12 in your body, you are not doing yourself any good.

2. Nervous Health
Cobalt is also known to aid in the repair of myelin sheaths (the protecting layer covering the nerve cells). This ensures the protection of the nerve cells against the damage of free radicals.

3. Blood Health
Scientists have suggested that cobalt may play a vital role in the absorption of iron in the body, thereby making it available for the formation of hemoglobin and improving blood health.

Cobalt is mostly found in animal proteins and can be obtained by having organ meats, oysters, clams, poultry and milk. However, one should note that excessive consumption of cobalt can lead to an increase in blood volume, which may result in anemia due to the overproduction of red blood cells. It is best to talk to your doctor who can guide you on your requirement for cobalt.