COBALT DEFICIENCY

condition in which an organism fails to take in an adequate supply of cobalt, a trace metal bound to the vitamin B12 molecule in a compound known as cobalamin. The pancreas contains a high concentration of the metal, which is used on demand by the body system to synthesize insulin and certain other enzymes essential to proper digestion of carbohydrates and fats. Action of this metal is counteracted by vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Diets deficient in cobalt may also be deficient in other elements important in the control of anemias. Cobalt sources of supply are widely spread in foods grown in soil areas that contain high concentrations of the metal. Generally, a diet sufficient in vitamin B12 is sufficient in cobalt as well. See also vitamin B12 deficiency.