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 Page 1DRI / RDA  >>
 Nickel & Cobalt
 
Both elements share left / right-sided cell receptors and are essential to human health.
While a Cobalt + Vit B12 relationship is well documented, a similar, but less documented affiliation applies
to Nickel + Vit C.  Also less documented is the control nickel and cobalt exert over the muscular walls of the
body's arteries.  Cobalt specifically affects the right coronary artery, resulting in vasodilation with low levels,
and vasoconstriction with high levels, while nickel exerts the same effect on the left coronary artery.

The association of Nickel (Ni) to Vitamin C is similar to the one of Cobalt (Co) to Vitamin B12 as far as
excess and deficiency symptoms and their interaction with other nutrients is concerned.  For instance, iron
deficiency anemia is often found in the presence of low nickel, and it is a well-known fact that Vit C assists in
iron absorption.  Both - Vitamin C and nickel - can also be effective with cirrhosis of the liver, hypoadrenalism,
or to improve insulin production.  Likewise, pernicious anemia can result from cobalt deficiency, for which
Vitamin B12 is a well-known treatment, being organically complexed with cobalt.

Nickel is a trace element that has been linked to skin allergies or dermatitis in regard to eyeglass frames,
dental materials, and costume jewelry, however of the approximately 10 mg in the body, significant amounts
of nickel are found in RNA and DNA where it interacts with these nucleic acids.  Most of plasma nickel is a
constituent of the circulating proteins nickeloplasmin and albumin, and it is also thought to be a factor in
hormone, lipid and cell membrane metabolism.  Insulin response is increased after ingesting nickel, which
may be related to its activation of enzymes associated with the breakdown or utilization of glucose.

Nickel Toxicity is usually not a problem unless several grams are ingested from non-dietary sources, or
unless there is a natural tendency to retain too much nickel, which could lead to asthma, angina an/or other
cardiac symptoms as a result of nickel interfering with Vitamin E activity.  However, nickel is quite toxic in its
gaseous form of nickel carbonyl, and it has the potential to cause cancer of the sinuses, throat and lungs
when insoluble nickel compounds are inhaled for long periods of time.  This does not apply to soluble nickel
compounds such as chloride, nitrate, or sulfate.
Once someone is sensitized to nickel from an allergic reaction to nickel-containing materials, subsequent
contact with it will continue to produce these effects.  Skin reactions such as itching, burning, redness or other
rashes are the most common symptoms with nickel sensitivity, however asthma attacks are another, but less
frequent possibility in some people.
Intestinal absorption of nickel is less than 10%, with the kidneys controlling the retention or elimination of Ni,
however most of it is eliminated in feces, some in urine, and a small amount through sweat.

Nickel and Vitamin C share common antagonists, as do cobalt and Vitamin B12, whereby Vitamin E inhibits
the effects of Vitamin C and nickel, while Vitamin B15 (pangamic acid) inhibits the effects of Vitamin B12 and
cobalt.  This inhibiting effect of Vitamin E is not related to the antioxidative properties of Vitamin C - or vice
versa - (both are antioxidants, so in that respect they are synergistic), but they are antagonists ratio-wise to
one another, and to other chemical members:

For instance, Vitamin C increases iron uptake, which Vitamin E inhibits.  Vitamin C lowers manganese and
zinc, while Vitamin E helps increase manganese and zinc absorption.  As a result, a very high intake of one
will require an equally high intake of the other to maintain the same ratio.  On the other hand, a pre-existing
abnormal Vitamin C / Vitamin E ratio requires greater supplementation of one (compared to the other), to
help normalize it.
  
An increasing number of studies have come to the conclusion that excessive intake of Vitamin E has the
potential to increase the risk for heart disease rather than having a preventive effect, which is not only a
concern for overdosing on Vitamin E, but other Vitamins and minerals as well.  While an optimal intake of
any nutrient will provide optimal benefits, going beyond this ideal amount may not only reduce those benefits
again, but potentially lead to adverse consequences.  Most patients I have tested over the years had - with
some exceptions - much greater requirements for Vitamin C than for Vitamin E, so an excessive intake of
Vitamin E could in those individuals easily worsen any low Vitamin C-related medical problems, which may
include cardiovascular disease.

Some theories on a negative "High Vitamin E / Heart Disease" relationship include the possibility that mega-
doses of antioxidants can turn into pro-oxidants. There is also evidence that mixed carotenoids (lutein, alpha
/ beta carotene, lycopene, zeaxanthin, crytoxanthin) are superior to using beta-carotene alone, or complexed
Vitamin C (with rutin and hesperidin) is superior to supplementing plain ascorbic acid alone.

Similarly, mixed or complexed Vitamin E in the form of alpha, beta, gamma, delta tocopherols, and alpha,
beta, gamma, delta tocotrienols act as a synergistic formulation may equally reduce the risk of creating
fractional Vitamin E deficiencies as a result of supplementing excessive amounts of one type (generally dl-
alpha or d-alpha) alone, although some laboratory experiments indicated that gamma-tocopherol quinone
caused cell death, in contrast to alpha-tocopherol quinone, which did not kill cells.

One can easily see negative, rather than positive health benefits arising out of randomly supplementing high
doses of single, instead of complexed vitamins (particularly in the absence of deficiencies).  For practical
purposes however, the best way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease is to raise one's Vitamin C
intake proportionately to the amounts of Vitamin E consumed, which - by maintaining a normal Vitamin C /
Vitamin E ratio - will generally prevent any potential negative consequences.  At the same time, when various
"scientific" studies come to totally opposite conclusions, particularly concerning nutritional supplementation,
both sides should be taken with a grain of salt, since agendas may have played heavily into their outcomes.

While there may be genetic reasons in some cases, most individuals requiring more Vitamin C usually exhibit
much higher than average levels of other nutrients or factors that oppose Vitamin C, with copper being at the
top of the list.  Lowering any Vitamin C antagonists, or adding a small amount of nickel to one's daily dietary
or nutritional regimen, considerably reduces the need for mega-doses of Vitamin C, while still achieving the
same benefits. (see also Acu-Cell "Vitamin C Supplementation").

Cobalt is an integral part of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is necessary for myelin formation - an insulating
layer found around nerves, to supports red blood cell production, and it is also essential for the metabolism of
fats, carbohydrates, the synthesis of proteins, and the conversion of folate to its active form.  The average
adult body contains 2 to 5 mg of Vitamin B12, of which most is stored in the liver.

Vitamin B12 is available in several supplemental forms, of which cyanocobalamin & hydroxycobalamin
(hydroxocobalamin = injectable) are the main synthetic forms that have a cyanide molecule attached, while
adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin occur as two coenzymatically active and more efficient forms.
In animal experiments, both of these active forms have demonstrated to reduce tumor growth, with methyl-
cobalamin being superior in promoting nerve regeneration as well.  Other research has not only suggested
an increase in cancer or tumor cell divisions from receiving higher doses of Vitamin B12 (without however
mentioning the actual form used), but also the presence of higher Vit B12 levels with some heart and liver
conditions, and acute or chronic myelogenous leukemia.

All forms of Vitamin B12 require the intrinsic factor for absorption, which in turn requires adequate stomach
acid and an acid pH of 2.0 or less.  Only microorganisms are capable of incorporating cobalt into Vit B12.
Since cobalamin is not found in vegetarian food sources, herbivores get Vitamin B12 by eating plants that
are infested with insects, or by actively eating feces to meet Vit B12 requirements, while in ruminants (sheep,
cows), the microbes fermenting and digesting plant material in the rumen (the first stomach), incorporate
cobalt into Vitamin B12, which is subsequently absorbed and utilized.

Other than resulting from insufficient stomach acid - for which acid-lowering drugs may also be responsible,
cobalt or Vitamin B12 deficiency can develop from malfunctioning or surgical removal of parts of the stomach
or small intestines, from celiac disease, parasites, or other malabsorption disorders.  Cobalt Deficiency is
not a major problem though as long as one has adequate amounts of Vitamin B12.

Long-term Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in demyelination of large nerve trunks and the spinal cord, in
reduced white blood cells, and in pernicious anemia with symptoms of severe fatigue, shortness of breath,
dizziness and headaches.  Red blood cells become abnormally enlarged and reduced platelet formation
causes poor clotting and bruising.  While high intake of folic acid prevents the red blood cell changes caused
by a Vit B12 deficiency, it does not prevent the resulting nerve damage, which may only become apparent in
later stages and may not be reversible.

Homocysteine is a by-product of methionine metabolism that can damage blood vessels and lead to an
increased risk of heart disease and stroke.  Insufficient levels of nickel, cobalt, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6,
folate and some other factors may lead to increased levels of this amino acid.  
Cobalt Toxicity is generally also not a concern since it doesn't develop from the normal consumption of
foods and beverages, unless - as with nickel - there is a natural tendency to retain too much cobalt, in which
case asthma, anxiety or cardiac symptoms may be experienced.  However, a number of years ago, cobalt
salts were added to beer as foam stabilizers which lead to an epidemic of cardiomyopathy and congestive
heart failure among beer drinkers.  Other effects of overdosing on cobalt (> 5mg / day) include abnormal
thyroid functions, polycythemia and overproduction of red blood cells (erythropoiesis), with increased
production of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO) from the kidneys.

Medically, EPO can increase the red blood cell count by 25-35% so it is used to treat certain forms of anemia
(i.e. in chronic kidney failure).  It has also been used by athletes to improve athletic performance by increasing
the oxygen-carrying ability of their blood, and to fight fatigue.  The blood however thickens with excessive use
of EPO, so users can suffer blood clots, strokes, heart attacks and related deaths.

Some uninformed practitioners believe that there is no overdose possible with Vitamin B12, however 5-10%
of the population presents with above-normal levels of Vit B12, so if injections are erroneously given, they can
trigger a number of adverse symptoms that may include coronary artery spasms with chest pains, numbness
or pain down their right arm, and/or TIA-like symptoms with tingling / numbness on the right side of the face.

There is also a risk of hypokalemia, pulmonary edema, peripheral vascular thrombosis, optic nerve atrophy
for someone with Leber's disease, and others.  Risks from intranasal use of Vitamin B12 include glossitis,
headaches, sore throat, rhinitis, and feeling of "pins and needles."  Individuals suffering from Mitral Valve
Prolapse (MVP) are also vulnerable to experience a worsening, or an acute flare-up of MVP symptoms
following a Vitamin B12 shot if not indicated.

Even without having had any Vitamin B12 injections, individuals who run naturally high Vit B12 and cobalt
levels (which may include patients with mitral valve prolapse), tend to frequently suffer from panic-anxiety
attacks, tachycardia, or angina-like chest pains, that may be accompanied by numbness and tingling in the
face or extremities.
In contrast to cellular measurements, blood tests for cobalt or Vitamin B12 levels (including the Schilling test)
are not only very unreliable, but at times alarmingly wrong, subjecting patients to improper therapy, or routinely
misdiagnosing them as Psychiatric Cases, when in fact correcting their abnormal cobalt, Vitamin B12 and
nickel status (or ratios) could resolve the problem.

If Vitamin B12 deficiency is suspect and there are no resources to measure cellular Vitamin B12 levels,
then blood levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA) can help with assessing Vitamin B12 requirements since
methylmalonic acid inversely increases with declining Vitamin B12 activity.

While estimated to be rare, dermal exposure to cobalt can - like with nickel sensitivity - trigger an allergic
reaction, dermatitis, and asthma, whereby hypersensitivity to nickel becomes a heightened risk factor for
cobalt hypersensitivity. Home or work-related contact sources of cobalt are pottery, paints, some cosmetics,
costume jewelry, antiperspirants, hair dyes, dental plates, etc., and also Vitamin B12 in the form of injections
(which can cause a red, itchy and tender area around the injection site), as well as tablets (which can trigger
eczema-like dermatitis).
In addition to nickel and cobalt, chromium is another metal whose exposure may trigger an allergic reaction
in some hypersensitive individuals, necessitating the use of gloves when handling any suspect metals, or
applying a protective coat of varnish (or clear nail polish) on items one has to touch and use.

The cell receptors of nickel and cobalt are neurologically linked to the spinal segment T4, whereby both, its
alignment, and various nutritional factors control the ratio of nickel and cobalt.  Alignment problems of T4, or
nutritional imbalances involving nickel, cobalt, Vitamin C, E, B12 and B15 can either result in localized
physical discomfort, or they can trigger cardiac / cerebral, or emotional / anxiety-types of episodes due to
blood flow changes to the heart or brain through their respective vasoconstrictive or vasodilating changes.  
Nickel and Cobalt / Vitamin C / E, and B12 / B15 interactions.
As already mentioned, studies published on the effects of Vitamin E on heart disease frequently contradict
one another.  One reason may be quite simply that Vitamin E is specific to the left side only, and subsequently
causes vasodilation in the left coronary artery only if appropriate amounts are given; Vitamin B15 on the other
hand will have the same effect on the right coronary artery, counteracting the effects of above-normal levels of
Vitamin B12 / cobalt, or an overdose (injection).

Some sources claim that there is a strong Vit C / Vit B12 antagonism, and that supplementing large amounts
of Vit C will inhibit Vit B12.  While possible in theory, it generally does not happen in practice since mineral
ratios are subject to neurological (cell receptor) and structural (spinal) control.
However out of interest, I checked the chemical profiles of patients who either had Vit B12 or Vit C injections,
since theoretically that might have had the most pronounced effect, but there were no short-term or long- term
changes in the other.  Since an inhibiting effect can take place during intestinal uptake, I also checked for any
interactions with very high oral intake, but there were again no apparent or conclusive patterns to confirm this.

Vitamin E raises sodium, so in some sodium-sensitive individuals this may create a slight increase in blood
pressure when supplementing higher amounts of Vitamin E.  Due to the vasodilating action of Vitamin E,
some individuals with hypotension may find their blood pressure go even a bit lower.  Blood pressure values
for the rest of the population generally remain unaffected by Vit E supplementation.

While some sources claim otherwise, the blood-thinning effect of Vitamin E can be potent enough that an
excessive intake over longer periods of time is capable of causing bruising, and even hemorrhaging as a
result of significantly lowering Vitamin K and calcium, which are required for normal blood clotting.  €

 DRI / RDA  for Nickel & Cobalt  +  Vitamin C, E, B12, B15  Page 2  >>

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General recommendations for nutritional supplementation:  To avoid stomach problems and promote better
tolerance, supplements should always be taken earlier, or in the middle of a larger meal.  When taken on an
empty stomach or after a meal, there is a greater risk of some tablets causing irritation, or eventually erosion
of the esophageal sphincter, resulting in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).  It is also advisable not
to lie down immediately after taking any pills.  When taking a very large daily amount of a single nutrient, it is
better to split it up into smaller doses to not interfere with the absorption of other nutrients in food, or nutrients
supplemented at lower amounts.

___________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright © 2000-2010  Ronald Roth         Acu-Cell Nutrition: Nickel & Cobalt + Vitamin C / E / B12 / B15
  
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