Studies on Iron and Cobalt Metabolism

Cobalt has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of certain anemias.1In combination with iron, it is of value in the treatment of anemia of prematurity and infancy.2Cobalt and iron have been found to be effective in the prevention and treatment of most pregnancy anemias.3In this article, it was stated that no toxic manifestations from cobalt therapy had been observed in pregnant women or their offspring. Because of current interest in cobalt toxicity, specifically, the possibility of cobalt inducing thyroid hyperplasia and hypothyroidism4complete investigations in animals and pregnant women are to be reported. METHOD Observations on 78 pregnant women have been completed; 58 received cobalt and iron, and 20 received cobalt alone. The iron and cobalt preparation given to the first group provided 60 to 90 mg. of cobaltous chloride with iron per day. The second group received 75 to 100 mg.