why is cobalt important in medicine?

Answer:
as a radioactive isotope. as a chemical indicator. Xray procedures, for tracking ie on a CTscan or MRI type non invasive procedure...

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Cobalt 60 is used as a radiation source in the treatment of cancer. It is also used in some tracer activity.

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Cobalt is important for affecting the functioning of vitamin B1z in the body. Like chromium, it is only a trace element, and can be obtained from many green vegetables, whole grain cereals, fresh figs and some other fruits. Also, Cobalt is an important agent of Vitamin B-12; it increases the body鈥檚 ability to absorb it.Cobalt is an essential mineral, although the body only needs a small amount. Cobalt is stored in red blood cells with smaller amounts in the kidney, liver, pancreas and spleen. Research indicates that cobalt helps with the repair of the myelin sheath, increases the effectiveness of glucose transport from the blood into body cells, and increases the assimilation of iron and the building of red blood cells. Cobalt is an important agent of Vitamin B-12; it increases the body鈥檚 ability to absorb it. Cobalt stimulates many enzymes of the body and normalizes the performance of other body cells. Because of its low absorption rate and high excretion rate, cobalt toxicity is not common, but an excess can lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland.* Some symptoms of cobalt deficiency*: Digestive disorders, Pernicious anemia, Fatigue, Poor circulation, Myelin sheath damage, Slow growth rate, Nerve damage

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hot cobalt 6o is impotortant as a radioactive tracer and also used in treatment of cancer.

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