What is Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate?
Pyridoxal phosphate, otherwise known as pyridoxal 5 phosphate, is the active form of vitamin B and a coenzyme in a variety of enzymatic reactions. PLP, as it is sometimes referred to as in science circles, is necessary for the synthesis of amino acids and amino acid metabolites, and for the synthesis and/or catabolism of certain neurotransmitters including the conversion of glutamate into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and levodopa into dopamine.
From a less scientific standpoint, PLP can be used as a dietary supplement in cases of vitamin B6 deficiency, and reduced levels of PLP in the brain can cause neurologic dysfunction (x). Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for many aspects of health including protein and amino acid metabolism, red blood cell formation and synthesis of antibodies important for optimal immune responses. It also helps maintain normal brain function, being that it is required for the production of several vital neurotransmitters, as we touched on above. Major food sources of vitamin B6 include whole grains, bananas, nuts and meat.
In getting into pyridoxal phosphate as a form of B6 and understanding the metabolic benefits it offers (that may not be provided by other forms), it must first be stated that PLP needs to be converted to the active coenzyme form, P5P, to be useful.
Bulk Supplements Fun Fact: Pyridoxine hydrochloride is the most commonly-used form of vitamin B6 in dietary supplements.
Beyond this, nutritional inadequacies, certain medications, compromised liver function and enzyme defects can reduce the body’s ability to convert B6 forms such as pyridoxine hydrochloride to P5P; in contrast, vitamin B6 as P5P is already fully “active” and readily usable, as it does not require further transformation in the body.
Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate Benefits
First of all, it must be understood that a lot of people who are health-conscious – something we know a thing or two about here at Bulk Supplements – are likely aware of the benefits that can be obtained from vitamin B6. Indeed, including B6 in your diet is relatively easy, as it’s found in foods such as bread, pork, fish, eggs and wholegrain cereals. These foods, however, may have depleted amounts of vitamin B6, in part because food preparation can lower that amount; food that is frozen, canned, cooked or processed usually yields a lower level of vitamin B6 than one would obtain otherwise, and as such, other dietary strategies are (or should be) pursued.
For that reason, many people have been choosing to include pyridoxal 5 phosphate as part of their diet.
As such an important part of healthy functioning in the brain and body, P5P brings to the table a number of possible benefits, with two of the most noteworthy being:
- More Physical Energy – P5P may help improve overall physical energy, as a result of it being a critical component of energy metabolism within cells. A quick change in diet or use of dietary supplements that include P5P could alter things for the better, and help you feel more energetic throughout the day.
- Memory Formation and Protection – In addition to increased mental energy, P5P may also aid in the formation of memories, this benefit derived from the aforementioned neurotransmitter properties seen in P5P; still, pyridoxal 5 phosphate also boasts neuroprotection capabilities, likely playing a role in improving overall brain health.
Beyond this, there are potential benefits to mention with regard to vitamin B6; different conditions may deplete one’s vitamin B6, triggering nerve damage and other deficiency symptoms. Experts suggest preventative supplementation in people suffering with digestive disorders (IBD, celiac disease et al), malnutrition, alcohol dependence and kidney failure (x) (xx) (xxx) (xxxx) (xxxxx).
Vitamin B6 supplementation may help with:
- Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Atherosclerosis
- Sideroblastic anemia
- Vitamin B6-dependent seizures (combined with magnesium) (x) (xx) (xxx) (xxxx) (xxxxx) (xxxxxx) (xxxxxxx) (xxxxxxxx) (xxxxxxxxx) (xxxxxxxxxx)
It may also prevent deficiency caused by the following drugs:
- NSAIDs
- Antiepileptics (seizure medications)
- Antibiotics (penicillamine)
- Drugs for tuberculosis (isoniazid, cycloserine) (x) (xx) (xxx) (xxxx)
Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate Side Effects
We can almost never get enough vitamin B6 from food, but we can get too much of it in supplement form if it’s taken for too long a period (x). Beyond this, it may potentially cause:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Skin rashes
- Nerve damage
- Sensitivity to light
- Heartburn
- Neuropathic pain (x) (xx) (xxx)
Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate Dosage
While consulting with a physician prior to adding supplements to a health regimen is always recommended, the usual dosage of P5P is 50 milligrams a day with meals (unless the aforementioned physician advises otherwise).
Pyridoxal Phosphate Deficiency
Pyridoxine deficiency causes blood, skin and nerve changes, and what makes this unique is that either deficiency or excess can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Different studies about this can be found here and here.
Bottom Line
Pyridoxal phosphate, otherwise known as pyridoxal 5 phosphate, is the active form of vitamin B and a coenzyme in a variety of enzymatic reactions. PLP, as it is sometimes referred to as in science circles, is necessary for the synthesis of amino acids and amino acid metabolites, and for the synthesis and/or catabolism of certain neurotransmitters including the conversion of glutamate into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and levodopa into dopamine.
From a less scientific standpoint, PLP can be used as a dietary supplement in cases of vitamin B6 deficiency, and reduced levels of PLP in the brain can cause neurologic dysfunction. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for many aspects of health including protein and amino acid metabolism, red blood cell formation and synthesis of antibodies important for optimal immune responses. It also helps maintain normal brain function, being that it is required for the production of several vital neurotransmitters, as we touched on above. Major food sources of vitamin B6 include whole grains, bananas, nuts and meat.
In getting into pyridoxal phosphate as a form of B6 and understanding the metabolic benefits it offers (that may not be provided by other forms), it must first be stated that PLP needs to be converted to the active coenzyme form, P5P, to be useful.
Beyond this, nutritional inadequacies, certain medications, compromised liver function and enzyme defects can reduce the body’s ability to convert B6 forms such as pyridoxine hydrochloride to P5P; in contrast, vitamin B6 as P5P is already fully “active” and readily usable, as it does not require further transformation in the body.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.