Overview

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.

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

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 & 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

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 and Warnings

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.

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

We currently have no information for Cobalt overview.

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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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.

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