COBALT & the bodys use

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taken from http://www.acu-cell.com/nico.html

COBALT

Cobalt is an integral part of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is

necessary for myelin formation - an

insulating layer found around nerves, to supports red blood cell

production, and it is also essential

for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, the synthesis of

proteins, and the conversion of folate to its

active form. The average adult body contains 2 to 5 mg of Vitamin

B12, of which most is stored in the

liver. Vitamin B12 is available in several supplemental forms, of

which hydroxy and cyanocobalamin

are the main synthetic forms that have a cyanide molecule attached,

while adenosylcobalarnin and

methylcobalamin occur as two coenzymatically active and more

efficient forms. In animal experiments,

these active forms have demonstrated to reduce tumor growth, while

methylcobalamin is also superior

in promoting nerve regeneration.

They require the intrinsic factor for absorption, which in turn

requires adequate stomach acid and an

acid pH of 2.0 or less. Only microorganisms are capable of

incorporating cobalt into Vitamin B12.

Since cobalamin is not found in vegetarian food sources, herbivores

get Vitamin B12 by eating plants

that are infested with insects, or by actively eating feces to meet

Vitamin B12 requirements, while in

ruminants (sheep, cows), the microbes fermenting and digesting plant

material in the rumen (the first

stomach), incorporate cobalt into Vitamin B12, which is subsequently

absorbed and utilized.

Other than resulting from insufficient stomach acid - for which acid-

lowering drugs may also be

responsible, cobalt or Vitamin B12 deficiency can develop from

malfunctioning or surgical removal

of parts of the stomach or small intestines, from celiac disease,

parasites, or other malabsorption

disorders. Cobalt Deficiency is not a major problem though as long

as one has adequate amounts

of Vitamin B12.

Long-term Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in demyelination of

large nerve trunks and the spinal cord,

in reduced white blood cells, and in pernicious anemia with symptoms

of severe fatigue, shortness of

breath, dizziness and headaches. Red blood cells become abnormally

enlarged and reduced platelet

formation causes poor clotting and bruising. While high intake of

folic acid prevents the red blood cell

changes caused by a Vitamin B12 deficiency, it does not prevent the

resulting nerve damage, which

may only become apparent in later stages and may not be reversible.