Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Cobalt is scientifically validated as having a role in the treatment of pernicious anemia, but not in its elemental or salt form—rather, as an essential component of vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin). Pernicious anemia is caused by an inability to absorb vitamin B₁₂ from the gastrointestinal tract due to intrinsic factor deficiency. Historically, before vitamin B₁₂ was isolated, cobalt salts were sometimes administered because it was observed that cobalt could stimulate red blood cell production. However, direct administration of cobalt salts is not the modern standard of care due to toxicity risks and the superior efficacy of vitamin B₁₂ itself.

The scientific underpinning for cobalt’s use is that vitamin B₁₂ contains a central cobalt atom essential for its biological activity. Vitamin B₁₂ supplementation, either by injection or high-dose oral formulations, is the definitive treatment for pernicious anemia. Cobalt by itself is not therapeutically administered for this condition today. The historical use of cobalt salts has been supplanted by purified vitamin B₁₂, which is safe and highly effective. Thus, while cobalt is crucial as a part of vitamin B₁₂, the direct use of cobalt compounds for pernicious anemia is outdated and not recommended.

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Other ingredients used for Pernicious Anemia

bovine kidney
bovine liver
bovine spleen
vitamin B12
Animal Tissue
Beef
Beef liver

Other health conditions supported by Cobalt

Anemia
Pernicious Anemia

Products containing Cobalt

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.