Modern aspects of regulatory, pathophysiological and toxic effects of cobalt ions during oral intake in the human body

Cobalt is an essential microelement which is an indispensable part of several enzymes and co-enzymes. Cobalt ions may occur in the environment from both natural sources and due to human activities. This metal is very widespread in the natural environment and can be formed due to anthropogenic activity. Toxic effects produced by cobalt and its compounds depend on the physical and chemical properties of these complexes, including their electronic structure, ion parameters (charge-size relations) and kinetics. Cobalt has both beneficial and harmful effects on human health. Cobalt is beneficial for humans because it is a part of vitamin B12, which is essential to maintain human health. If humans and animals are exposed to levels of cobalt normally found in the environment, it is not harmful. When excessive cobalt amounts enter a human body, multiple and chronic harmful health effects can occur and the longer the cobalt ions are stored in the body, the more changes they cause in cells...