Cobalt is a trace element found in both the environment and the human body. It is best known for its role in vitamin B12, also called cobalamine, where it acts as a central atom. According to the French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), cobalt is essential for the production of vitamin B12, which is vital for several bodily functions, such as the formation of red blood cells, the metabolism of homocysteine, energy production, and the proper function of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 in the human diet mostly comes from animal-based foods. In ruminant animals like cows, cobalt is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin B12. In areas where the soil lacks sufficient cobalt, cattle are often given supplements in the form of lick stones that include nutrients like iodine and cobalt. However, in humans, the biological role of cobalt is mainly tied to its presence in vitamin B12, and there is limited information on other specific functions of cobalt in the human body. In Canada, cobalt may be found in some natural health products, and the country's health authority, Health Canada, regulates the amounts and conditions under which these products are used. Some of these products may include general health-related claims, but no specific health benefits are attributed to cobalt. In the United States, cobalt may be present in certain products, but no specific health claims are associated with it. In Singapore, some regulatory sources mention cobalt's use in preparations that might be marketed as mild tonics. There are no clearly defined symptoms of cobalt deficiency. It is important to differentiate between cobalt deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency. A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, fatigue, neurological issues, or tingling, but these symptoms are related to vitamin B12 deficiency, not a lack of cobalt alone. Cobalt is found in many foods, though in very small amounts. ANSES reports that the highest concentrations of cobalt are found in chocolate, mollusks, crustaceans, dried fruits, oilseeds, and pasta. However, it is not necessary to consume these foods specifically to get enough cobalt. There is no established recommended daily intake for cobalt. Cobalt is not commonly found in dietary supplements, unlike minerals such as magnesium or zinc. It is sometimes included in oligotherapy preparations, often combined with manganese as a "terrain modifier" for conditions such as neurovegetative dystonia. While some older clinical studies have been conducted, the data remain limited and do not provide enough evidence to confirm specific benefits of cobalt-manganese combinations.