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Cobalt (Co) is an essential trace element due to its well-known role in vitamin B12, important in hematopoiesis and thyroid function. The consequences of B12 deficiency are well known, including central nervous system complaints, pernicious anemia, and potentially fatal macrocytic anemia. Ingested cobalt is largely excreted in urine. Whole-blood cobalt was detected at approximately 0.17 μg/L in patients awaiting surgery. Toxicity may occur at cobalt intakes above 300 mg/d, although even therapeutic doses at 29.5 mg/d have been associated with toxicity, including goiter, hypothyroidism, and heart failure.

Hair may be used for monitoring excess exposure to cobalt (Co). However, hair is occasionally contaminated by external Co from some hair treatments. If an individual’s hair has been treated with permanent solutions, dyes, or bleach, the Co levels may not be indicative of body Co accumulation. Humans absorb Co both as inorganic Co and as vitamin B-12; the body pools of each fluctuate independently. Humans cannot convert inorganic Co to vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-12 provides the only documented function of Co in humans. Thus, a high hair Co level does not mean that vitamin B-12 levels are high or even adequate. Co is utilized in the manufacture of metal alloys with high melting point, strength and resistance to oxidation. Alloys with chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and copper are utilized in the electrical, aeronautical, and automobile industries. Co salts and oxides are used in the glass industry, for paints and colored pottery. They are also used as fertilizers, catalysts in chemical reactions and in some dental amalgams. Co salts are not longer utilized as foam stabilizers in the brewing of malt beverages due to cardiovascular diseases that the metal induced. The primary clinical manifestations of chronic Co toxicity include weight loss, pulmonary syndrome, allergy, nausea, cardiomyopathy, electrolyte imbalance, hematological disorders, and thyroid lesion. The dietary content of Co is highly variable and depends upon types of foods eaten, geographical location, and type of soil. Toxicity has been noted with ingestion of 250-400 mg/day. Recent animal studies indicate that excess Co can cause marked impairment of myocardial metabolism that results in metabolic acidosis. Hair analysis cannot be used to assess vitamin B-12 status. Appropriate tests for determination of B-12 status are the measurement of urine levels of methylmalonic acid (elevated with B-12 coenzyme deficiency/dysfunction), quantitative blood assay for vitamin B-12, and urine amino acids analysis (several metabolic steps require vitamin B-12).

Sources: Cobalt is a hard silvery-bluish metal widely dispersed in nature in low concentrations. Diet, environment and supplements are the main sources of cobalt for the general public. The highest cobalt concentration in foods include chocolate, butter, coffee, fish, nuts, green leaf feed, vegetables, and cereals. Vitamin B12 (contains cobalt) is found in meat and dairy. Cosmetics, jewelry and electronics may be other sources of exposure. Absorption: Cobalt binds to albumin. iron deficiency can be associated with increased absorption of cobalt. The G.I. absorption of cobalt is approximately 25%. Once absorbed, cobalt disseminates to serum, whole blood, liver, kidneys, heart, and spleen, and to a lesser extent, bones, hair, lymph, brain and pancreas. Biochemical Actions: Cobalt is a necessary element for the formation of vitamin B12. The B12 RDI is 2.4 mcg/d and contains 0.1 mcg cobalt. Cobalt is an essential trace element that is part of the NutriStat Basic Profile by US BioTek, and it plays a crucial role in our overall health. Cobalt is a component of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is vital for red blood cell production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. When you see cobalt levels measured in your profile, it’s usually reflecting your body's intake and utilization of vitamin B12. Elevated levels of cobalt can occur from excessive vitamin B12 supplementation or from high dietary intake, which is generally not a cause for concern unless it leads to toxicity. Conversely, low cobalt levels might indicate a deficiency in vitamin B12, which can result in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, memory problems, and anemia. It's also important to consider environmental exposure, as cobalt can be found in industrial settings, and chronic exposure may lead to respiratory issues or other health problems. Understanding your cobalt levels helps in assessing your nutritional status and potential exposure risks, and it is often best interpreted with the help of a healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice based on your overall health, diet, and lifestyle.

Needed for the formation of vitamin B12 - blood formation, nervous system

detect antibodies in response to Coccidioides immitis/posadasii

detects IgG antibodies against the fungus Coccidioides immitis

Coccidioides Ab, IgM, EIA refers to a laboratory test that detects IgM antibodies against the fungus Coccidioides immitis, which causes coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever. This test is used to diagnose and monitor infections caused by this fungus. IgM antibodies are produced as a body’s first response to a new infection or to a new “non-self” antigen, providing short-term protection. They increase for several weeks and then decline as IgG production begins. Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is an infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides. The fungus is known to live in the soil in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America. The fungus was also recently found in south-central Washington. People can get Valley fever by breathing in the microscopic fungal spores from the air, although most people who breathe in the spores don’t get sick. Usually, people who get sick with Valley fever will get better on their own within weeks to months, but some people will need antifungal medication. Certain groups of people are at higher risk for becoming severely ill. It’s difficult to prevent exposure to Coccidioides in areas where it’s common in the environment, but people who are at higher risk for severe Valley fever should try to avoid breathing in large amounts of dust if they’re in these areas. Results are reported in EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) units. A positive result indicates the presence of IgM antibodies in response to Coccidioides infection, while a negative result suggests their absence. The level of antibodies can help assess the stage of infection. Different laboratories may have specific cutoff values for positivity.

Cod IgG reactivity marker

Mitochondrial Cofactor

belongs to a family of substances called ubiquinones

Needed for basic cell functions in energy production.