COBALT

OTHER NAME(S):

Co, Cobalt Chelate, Cobalt Chloride, Cobalt Gluconate, Cobaltic, Cobaltum, Cobaltum Metallicum, Cobaltum Muriaticum, Cobaltus.

Overview

Overview Information

Cobalt is a metal that is found in nature. It is used to make steel and can be found in many other materials, including ceramics, cement, paints, leather goods, and other metal products.

Cobalt was once used to treat different types of anemia. But there is no good scientific research to support its use for any condition. Also, taking large amounts of cobalt or using it for longer than 90 days can be unsafe.

How does it work?

When levels of oxygen in the body are low, cobalt might help make more red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body.
Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Low levels of red blood cells in people with a long-term illness (anemia of chronic disease).
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of cobalt for these uses.
Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Cobalt is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in small doses for a short period of time. A few small studies suggest that taking cobalt chloride 1 mg daily for up to 90 days seems to be safe. Taking cobalt in higher doses or for longer periods of time is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. It might cause heart problems, hearing loss, or vision loss in some people.

When inhaled: Cobalt is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when inhaled. Cobalt might cause heart problems, lung disease, hearing loss, and vision loss in people who are exposed to cobalt dust in certain industries.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if cobalt is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

Interactions?

We currently have no information for COBALT Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of cobalt depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for cobalt. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

  • Adams TN, Butt YM, Batra K, Glazer CS. Cobalt related interstitial lung disease. Respir Med 2017;129:91-7. View abstract.
  • Bregnbak D, Opstrup MS, Jellesen MS, Johansen JD, Thyssen JP. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by cobalt in leather - clinical cases. Contact Dermatitis 2017;76(6):366-8. View abstract.
  • Catalani S, Rizzetti MC, Padovani A, Apostoli P. Neurotoxicity of cobalt. Hum Exp Toxicol 2012;31(5):421-37. View abstract.
  • Finley BL, Unice KM, Kerger BD, et al. 31-day study of cobalt(II) chloride ingestion in humans: pharmacokinetics and clinical effects. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2013;76(21):1210-24. View abstract.
  • Fowler JF Jr. Cobalt. Dermatitis 2016;27(1):3-8. View abstract.
  • Guarneri F, Guarneri C, Cannavò SP. Nail-art and cobalt allergy. Contact Dermatitis 2010;62(5):320-1. View abstract.
  • Hoffmeister T, Schwenke D, Wachsmuth N, et al. Erythropoietic effects of low-dose cobalt application. Drug Test Anal 2019;11(2):200-7. View abstract.
  • Kirkland D, Brock T, Haddouk H, et al. New investigations into the genotoxicity of cobalt compounds and their impact on overall assessment of genotoxic risk. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2015;73(1):311-38. View abstract.
  • Leyssens L, Vinck B, Van Der Straeten C, Wuyts F, Maes L. Cobalt toxicity in humans-A review of the potential sources and systemic health effects. Toxicology 2017;387:43-56. View abstract.
  • Lim CA, Khan J, Chelva E, Khan R, Unsworth-Smith T. The effect of cobalt on the human eye. Doc Ophthalmol 2015;130(1):43-8. View abstract.
  • Packer M. Cobalt cardiomyopathy: a critical reappraisal in light of a recent resurgence. Circ Heart Fail 2016;9(12). pii: e003604. View abstract.
  • Paustenbach DJ, Galbraith DA, Finley BL. Interpreting cobalt blood concentrations in hip implant patients. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014;52(2):98-112. View abstract.
  • Simonsen AB, Friis UF, Johansen JD, Zachariae C, Sloth JJ, Thyssen JP. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by cobalt in machine oil. Contact Dermatitis 2019;80(1):59-61. View abstract.
  • Tvermoes BE, Unice KM, Paustenbach DJ, Finley BL, Otani JM, Galbraith DA. Effects and blood concentrations of cobalt after ingestion of 1 mg/d by human volunteers for 90 d. Am J Clin Nutr 2014;99(3):632-46. View abstract.
  • van der Veen HC, Reininga IH, Zijlstra WP, Boomsma MF, Bulstra SK, van Raay JJ. Pseudotumour incidence, cobalt levels and clinical outcome after large head metal-on-metal and conventional metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty: mid-term results of a randomised controlled trial. Bone Joint J 2015;97-B(11):1481-7. View abstract.
  • Yamada K. Cobalt: its role in health and disease. Met Ions Life Sci 2013;13:295-320. View abstract.
  • Zajdel NJ, Smith WA, Taintor AR, Jacob SE, Olasz EB. Chemical tattoo treatment leading to systemic cobalt hypersensitivity. Skinmed 2017;15(3):221-2. View abstract.
  • Zywiel MG, Cherian JJ, Banerjee S, et al. Systemic cobalt toxicity from total hip arthroplasties: review of a rare condition Part 2. measurement, risk factors, and step-wise approach to treatment. Bone Joint J 2016;98-B(1):14-20. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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