Cobalt (Co) in urine (chromatography)
An adult human body contains 1.5 g of cobalt, accumulated mainly in the liver. The elimination half-life has not been established. The concentration of cobalt in the blood depends on the season and time of day, which is associated with the peculiarities of nutrition. Its excess is excreted through the kidneys (86%) and intestine (14%).
Cobalt deficiency has been described in animals, but there are no reliable data on cobalt deficiency in humans. Cobalt deficiency according to some scientists corresponds to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Determination of cobalt concentration in blood in clinical medicine is used to detect intoxication, not deficiency.