Cobalt (Symbol= . Latin cobaltum)-A metal, required in human metabolism. The only known function of cobalt is as a component of vitamin B₁₂. The cobalamin (B₁₂) molecule contains cobalt at the centre. Cobalamin, as we've learned, forms coenzymes. These coenzymes are needed for two known reactions in humans:

1) The synthesis of methionine from homocysteine. This requires methylcobalamin (which contains cobalt).

2) The production of Succinyl Coenzyme A from Methylmalonyl Coenzyme A requires a different coenzyme form of cobalamin, called deoxyadenosylcobalamin. This coenzme of cobalamin also contains cobalt. SInce our cobalamin comes from bacterial production in our intestines and from animal food sources, we are obtaining cobalt as well.

RDA of tin

Cobalt is stored in the body in cobalamin (vitamin ₁₂. Since cobalt is a component of cobalamin, cobalt is available as long as this vitamin is available.

Deficiency and Toxicity of cobalt

A deficiency of cobalt leads to anaemia. Because blood cell production relies on cobalamin, the lack of cobalt logically affects this. Excess cobalt leads to an increase in the red cell mass (increase in red blood cell numbers).