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.

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.

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. 

Cobalt is an alkaline-forming and somewhat toxic element.  It is widely distributed in foods.  It is required for the formation of vitamin B12, also called cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin.

Sources Of Cobalt

Meats (as vitamin B12)

Roles In The Body

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

FOOD SOURCES OF COBALT

Seafood - sardines, salmon, herring

Meat/Organs - liver, kidney

Nuts/seeds - peanuts

Vegetables - peas, okra

Dairy - butter

Grains - buckwheat, wheat bran, wheat germ

Miscellaneous - molasses, raw sugar, cornstarch, cornmeal, some artificial prosthetic hips

Coccidioides Antibodies by Complement Fixation (CF) is a serological blood test used to detect antibodies produced by the body in response to the fungal pathogen Coccidioides immitis/posadasii. This test is employed in diagnosing and monitoring coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever, caused by Coccidioides infection.

Valley fever (also called coccidioidomycosis or “cocci”) is a disease caused by a fungus that grows in the soil and dirt in some areas of California and the southwestern United States. People and animals can get sick when they breathe in dust that contains the Valley fever fungus. This fungus usually infects the lungs and can cause respiratory symptoms including cough, fever, chest pain, and tiredness.

This test is particularly useful for detecting meningitis (an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) caused by the pathogen. A positive result indicates exposure to the fungus, but clinical correlation is necessary to determine the significance of the result. It's often used alongside other tests like immunodiffusion (ID) and IgM tests for a comprehensive diagnosis. The presence of antibodies suggests an active or recent asymptomatic infection, aiding in patient management and treatment evaluation.

Coccidioides Ab, IgG, EIA refers to a laboratory test that detects IgG 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.

Specific IgG antibodies are produced during an initial antigen exposure, rising a few weeks after it begins, then decreasing and stabilizing. IgG antibodies form the basis of long-term protection against microorganisms.

The Cod marker measures IgG antibodies to proteins found in cod. Results are reported as none detected, very low, low, moderate, or high. These levels reflect immune exposure and recognition rather than a true fish allergy. Interpretation should consider symptom history, frequency of fish intake, and overall immune and digestive health.

- CoEnzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant.

- CoEnzyme Q10 is needed for basic cell functions in energy production.

CoEnzyme Q10’s primary function is to transfer electrons through the electron transport chain in the mitochondrial inner membrane. The electrons are received directly from succinate, or indirectly from several other substrates such as pyruvate, acyl-CoA, and alpha–ketoglutarate in the form of NADH (=Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). CoEnzyme Q10 moves from one electron carrier complex to the next, ultimately delivering electrons, one at a time. While the electrons are delivered one at a time, they leave in pairs to form ATP and H20.

Coenzyme Q-10 belongs to a family of substances called ubiquinones. These compounds are lipophilic, water-insoluble substances involved in electron transport and energy production within the mitochondria. In this capacity, coenzyme Q-10 facilitates the conversion of the energy released through glycolysis into ATP (adenosine triphospate).

CoQ10 is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance present in most cells, primarily in the mitochondria. CoQ10 plays an integral role in the generation of cellular energy through aerobic cellular respiration. In addition, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant at physiologic concentrations.

CoEnzyme Q10 is an essential component of the mitochondria of the energy producing unit of the cell.