The physiological and pharmacological effects of cobalt and its potential toxicity

Li Min; Zhang Yao; Yang Yanling

doi:10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.03.005

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Electronic Journal of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer ›› 2026, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (3) : 360-364. DOI: 10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.03.005

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The physiological and pharmacological effects of cobalt and its potential toxicity

¹Li Min, ²Zhang Yao, ²Yang Yanling

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Abstract

Cobalt, a natural transition metal element, is an essential trace element for human, which mainly exists in the form of cobalamin (vitamin B₁₂) and participates in multiple physiological activities in the human body. For common conditions, cobalamin is used to treat vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and megaloblastic anemia. For rare diseases, patients with vitamin B₁₂-responsive methylmalonic acidemia often require lifelong high-dose cobalamin injections. Due to the excellent structural strength, wear resistance and great biocompatibility, cobalt and its alloys have been widely used in medical devices such as artificial joints and dental restoration materials in recent years. However, in the human body, toxic effects of cobalt with large amounts and long-term accumulation are gradually attracting the attention of the medical community. In the medical perspective, this article aims to state the physiological effects, pharmacological effects and clinical applications of cobalt, as well as the potential toxicity and possible mechanisms of cobalt accumulation, providing a reference for the rational use in clinical practice.

Key words

Cobalt / Metal element / Trace element / Cobalamin / Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency / Methylmalonic acidemia / Cobalt accumulation / Adverse reaction

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Li Min, Zhang Yao, Yang Yanling. The physiological and pharmacological effects of cobalt and its potential toxicity[J]. Electronic Journal of Metabolism and Nutrition of Cancer. 2026, 13(3): 360-364 https://doi.org/10.16689/j.cnki.cn11-9349/r.2026.03.005

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