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What is Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (Vitamin B6 or P5P B6)?

Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, also known as P5P or P-5-P, is the coenzyme form of the essential vitamin B6, Pyridoxine. P-5-P does not need any conversion in the liver, and may be a preferable supplement form of this vitamin. As an enzyme catalyst in numerous processes that include energy metabolism, neurotransmitter functions, and muscle growth and repair, and as part of a well-balanced diet which is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, Vitamin B6 may reduce the risk of vascular disease. B6 is also of paramount importance in proper amino acid metabolism and neurological function. Vitamin B-6, in the form of pyridoxal 5-phosphate (PLP), serves a cofactor in many enzyme reactions, including the transsulfuration pathway, in which homocysteine is converted to cystathionine and then to cysteine. This phosphate form of pyridoxal is also essential to many reactions in tissue, such as amino acid decarboxylations.

In order for vitamins to be utilized by the body, they must first be converted into their active coenzyme forms. This means Vitamin B6 must be converted by the liver into Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate before it is active in the body. As the active form of Vitamin B-6, Pyridoxal-5-phosphate or P5P allows for the best absorption, because it is ready to go to work immediately. For some people who are not able to do this well, supplementation may be necessary. Numbness or tingling in the extremities can occur with high doses of Pyridoxine. This is believed to occur when the body does not convert Pyridoxine to Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate very efficiently. This active form of Vitamin B6 can become as much as 10 times more effective than Pyridoxine when it is indicated. Vitamin B6 is required in amino acid metabolism, sphingolipid biosynthesis and degradation, heme biosynthesis, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, collagen formation and glucocorticoid action. Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, an essential co-factor that facilitates transamitation reactions, also helps to drive metabolic reactions necessary for BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) utilization at the cellular level.

Pyridoxine and its coenzyme form, pyridoxal-5-phosphate, have a multitude of metabolic functions in the body, especially in amino acid metabolism and in the central nervous system, where it supports production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Many reactions, including the conversion of tryptophan to niacin and arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E2, need vitamin B6. The pyridoxal group is beneficial in the utilization of all food sources for energy and in facilitating the release of glycogen (stored energy) from the liver and muscles. It assists as well in the production of antibody and red blood cell (hemoglobin synthesis) as well, and in the synthesis and functioning of both DNA and RNA. By helping manage the balance of sodium and potassium in the body, vitamin B6 is crucial in the fluid balance regulation and the electrical functioning of the nerves, heart, and musculoskeletal system.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is a co-factor in many enzymatic pathways involved in amino acid metabolism: the main biologically active form is pyridoxal 5-phosphate. Pyridoxine has been used as an antidote in acute intoxications, including isoniazid overdose, Gyromitra mushroom or false morrel (monomethylhydrazine) poisoning and hydrazine exposure. It is also recommended as a co-factor to improve the conversion of glyoxylic acid into glycine in ethylene glycol poisoning. Other indications are recommended by some sources (for example crimidine poisoning, zipeprol and theophylline-induced seizures, adjunct to d-penicillamine chelation), without significant supporting data. Pyridoxine is especially important with respect to protein metabolism. Many amino acid reactions rely on vitamin B6 to help get amino acids across the intestinal mucosa into the blood and from the blood into cells. By itself and with other enzymes, pyridoxal-5-phosphate helps build amino acids, break them down, and change one to another and is especially related to the production and metabolism of choline, methionine, serine, cysteine, tryptophan, and niacin. During pregnancy, the body has a high requirement for vitamin B6. It is important for maintaining hormonal and fluid balance of the mother and for the developing nervous system of the baby. Pyridoxine may somehow be related to the development and health of the myelin covering of the nerves, which allows them to conduct impulses properly.

What is Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P B6) used for and who uses it?

Vitamin B6 is used for people with stress conditions, fatigue, headaches, nervous disorders, anemia, and low blood sugar or diabetes, and in men for prostatitis, low sex drive, or hair loss. As a supplement, Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P) is occasionally used in formulas or as an individual supplement for specific cases. As the active coenzyme of pyridoxine, P5P can go more directly into the metabolic cycles and does not have to be converted; thus, it may be more helpful than pyridoxine alone in such problems as fatigue, allergies, viral disease, chemical sensitivities, mental illness, and cancer. Pyridoxine supplementation is also beneficial for a number of skin problem, such as dandruff, eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. As for the nervous system, vitamin B6 has been proven effective in helping with epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and neuritis. At a dose between 100-300 mg. a day for 2-3 months, Vitamin B6 therapy has been demonstrated helpful in reducing carpal tunnel syndrome and improving the ability to use the hands in most patients.

For people such as pregnant and nursing mothers, the elderly, the autistic, and babies at risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), P5P is the only form of B6 that the fetus and newborn baby can use. In premature babies, who are at a higher risk than full-term babies to SIDS, the use of the pyridoxine analog of B6 can yield to irreversible central nervous system damage. Additionally, a lack of P5P can make a surviving premature infant more susceptible to atherosclerosis in later life. Also, the fact that B6 benefits some persons with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and not others, we think may well be traced to the person's ability or inability to make P5P from pyridoxine.

It seems that whenever there are increased levels of estrogen in the body, more B6 is required. This occurs not only in pregnancy but also for women who take birth control pills and those postmenopausal women on estrogen treatment as well. It is likely that some of the emotional symptoms experienced by many women on the pill, such as fatigue, mood swings, depression, and loss of sex drive, may be related to a deficiency of B6 and thereby helped by supplementation. Many B6 supplements are the inactive pyridoxine HCL form, resulting in some cases to a reversible numbness & tingling of the extremities in doses as low as 200 mg daily over a 3-year period. Using P5P avoids this problem. It's the P5P our bodies really need to break down and use fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, to make red blood cells and antibodies, to help the digestive and nervous systems function, and to maintain healthy skin. But some folks have trouble-converting pyridoxine into P5P. Those susceptible to a deficiency include some breast-fed infants, elderly persons on a poor diet, and women on estrogen-containing oral contraceptive pills. B6 has recently been found to benefit the autistic and is thought the P5P form may even provide more benefit.

With its many functions, there is also a wide range of clinical uses of vitamin B6, being most beneficial when symptoms and diseases are related to a pyridoxine/pyridoxal-5-phosphate depletion or deficiency. Recently there has been widespread use of higher doses of B6, usually from 50-200 mg. per day (though some studies use 500 mg. per day of pyridoxine in time-release form) for premenstrual symptoms, especially water retention, which can lead to breast soreness and emotional tension. Pyridoxine has been very helpful in this role, probably because of its diuretic effect through its influence on sodium-potassium balance and its mysterious influence on the hormonal system. Vitamin B6 also helps with the acne that often develops premenstrually, as well as with dysmenorrheal, or menstrual pain; magnesium is usually used as well in all of these menstrual-related problems. In pregnancy, B6 has been helpful in many women for controlling the nausea and vomiting of morning sickness, which some authorities feel is highly related to vitamin B6 deficiency.

How pure is your Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate(P5P B6)?

Purebulk Pyridoxal-5 Phosphate (P5P-active, co-enzyme B6) is the active, co-enzyme form of B6, and is assayed by the manufacturer to be 99.5% product. You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this pink or coral powder product. It contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. The remaining 0.5% by weight are inactive byproducts of the extraction.

Most B-6 included in nighttime mineral supplements is pyridoxine which must be converted in the liver to Pyridoxal-5 Phosphate for it to be properly utilized. Many individuals do not convert sufficient amounts of this important vitamin which can result in a B-6 deficiency and many health problems. Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate is necessary for neurotransmitter balance, immune function, amino acid and mineral absorption and metabolism. Deficiency may cause a decrease of mineral absorption and utilization. Pyridoxal-5 Phosphate is utilized by over 60 enzymes, and is also essential for protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. For these reasons, supplementation may be necessary to ensure adequate intake.

What are some of the common effects of Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P B6)?

Pyridoxine is a natural diuretic and is often helpful not only for the previously mentioned premenstrual problems but also in overweight and fluid-retaining people and as an adjunct to blood pressure control. Vitamin B6 (along with magnesium) has received some note in regard to preventing the formation of kidney stones or the recurrence of stones in those who have had them. The B6-magnesium combination also helps in some hyperactive kids and those with fits or problems of autism. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin which helps the body make proteins, which are then used to make body cells. It also helps convert tryptophan (an amino acid) into niacin and serotonin (a brain chemical). Vitamin B6 also helps produce other body chemicals such as insulin, hemoglobin and antibodies to fight infection. Pyridoxine in fairly large doses will stimulate dream activity as well as reduce the potential toxicity of barbiturate drugs, carbon monoxide and some other chemical exposures, and irradiation. Vitamin B6 works best when taken with magnesium, zinc, riboflavin, and brewer's yeast or the other B vitamins.

Pyridoxine, probably more than the other B vitamins except folic acid, is supportive of healthy immune function. B6 deficiency can produce immune weakness, and B6 treatment may be helpful against infections and cancer. Recent studies have shown that pyridoxine can inhibit the growth of some cancer cells, specifically mice and human melanoma cells. Further research with B6 will likely find an even wider range of uses.

What is the daily suggested dose of Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P B6)?

The common daily recommended dose for Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P B6) Powder for adults is up to 200 mg per day, or a minimum of 2 mg. of B6 per 100 grams of protein consumed. In children, it ranges from 0.6-1.2 mg. per 100 grams of protein. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P B6) here.

However, the need for vitamin B6 increases in a variety of situations. During pregnancy and lactation and with birth control pill or estrogen use, higher levels are required. For those who eat a high-sugar or processed-food diet or a high-protein diet, requirements for B6 are greater and deficiencies or depletion are more common. When there is impairment of the digestive system, cardiac failure, or radiation use, or even just the aging process, needs for vitamin B6 are increased.

Drugs that influence needs for B6 are oral contraceptives, isoniazid (for tuberculosis), hydralazine (for high blood pressure), amphetamines, reserpine (for high blood pressure), and some antibiotics. More B6 is utilized with an increased intake of the amino acid methionine. Adequate magnesium in the body is important to the functions of vitamin B6. B6 should also be taken along with other B vitamins to prevent metabolic imbalance.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

What kind of results do people anticipate while taking Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P B6)?

As the active form of vitamin B6, Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P) is the coenzyme for all enzymes involved in the conversion process for amino acids. P5P is also needed for hemoglobin production as well as for fatty acid and prostaglandin metabolism. In addition, P5P is necessary for neurotransmitter production, specifically for the production of dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, GABA and glutamate.

Pyridoxal 5’ Phosphate (P-5-P) is the most bioavailable coenzyme form of Vitamin B6, thus the preferred form for those who need optimal absorption of this critical B vitamin. P-5-P is essential for healthy amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter balance, immune function, and responsible for over sixty enzymatic reactions. Research shows that P-5-P or B-6 plus magnesium is the most critical vitamin/mineral combination in the treatment of autism and ADD/ADHD. Other prominent uses for P-5-P include heart health, diabetes, PMS, and pregnancy induced nausea. Since P-5-P is about five times more absorbable than vitamin B-6, a 50mg capsule is considered equivalent to 250mg B-6. Additionally B-complex and magnesium work synergistically with P5P to increase the effectiveness of Pyridoxal 5’Phosphate.

Precautions and Potential side effects of Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P B6)

Vitamin B6 supplementation at doses up to 200 mg per day is considered safe and is usually free of side effects in adults. However, Vitamin B6 overuse and/or overdose can cause neurological disorders, such as loss of sensation in legs and imbalance, when taken in high doses (200 mg or more per day) over a long period of time. Vitamin B6 toxicity can damage sensory nerves, leading to numbness in the hands and feet as well as difficulty walking. Symptoms of a pyridoxine overdose may include poor coordination, staggering, numbness, decreased sensation to touch, temperature, and vibration, and tiredness for up to six months.

Deficiency, as usual, is a bigger concern with vitamin B6, as it is with all the B vitamins. So many functions are performed by pyridoxine that its deficiency affects the whole body. Most of these deficiency symptoms are fairly vague. Muscle weakness, nervousness, irritability, and depression are not uncommon. Many of the symptoms are similar to those of both niacin and riboflavin deficiencies; depression is common in all of them. Overall, vitamin B6 deficiency can cause a variety of nervous symptoms, skin problems, and amino acid/protein metabolic abnormalities. These can lead to the more common expressions--headache, dizziness, inability to concentrate, irritability and epileptic-type activity, labile depression, and weakness. Water retention is common. Nausea, vomiting, and dry skin, especially extensive dandruff and a cracked sore mouth and tongue are also more likely with vitamin B6 deficiency.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P B6)

Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate powder has a somewhat characteristic taste and dissolves quickly in warm or hot water, but rather slowly in cold water. Just measure and stir your usual dose into water or juice and drink.

Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P B6) is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Solgar - P-5-P (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate), Vitamin Shoppe - P-5-P (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate), Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate supplied by DouglasLaboratories, Swanson P-5-P (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate), Thorne Research Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate, Cole-Parmer Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate (Monohydrate), Source Naturals Vitamin B-6 Pyridoxal-5'-Phosphate Sublingual, Vitamin Shoppe P-5-P (Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate), Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P) by Food Science of Vermont, P-5-P Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate 50 mg by Country Life, Source Naturals Coenzymated B-6 Pyridoxal - 5-phosphate, Finest Vitamin B6, Nature's Way Vitamin B6, Nature Made Super B-Complex Supplement Tablets, Meijer Melatonin with Vitamin B6, Nature Made Stress B-Complex Supplement, Natrol Melatonin 5 mg TR with Vitamin B6, Natures Way PMS with Vitamin B6 and 5-HTP, Integrative Therapeutics Vitamin B6

References & Further Research

Inherited disorders of neurotransmitters in children and adults
Inherited disorders of neurotransmitters are a group of neurometabolic syndromes attributable to a primary disturbance of neurotransmitter metabolism or transport. This is an enlarging group of recognized disorders requiring specialized diagnostic procedures for detection. This review considers clinical disorders of biopterin, catecholamines, serotonin, glycine, pyridoxine, and GABA metabolism. Newly described syndromes such as cerebral folic acid deficiency and pyridoxal-5-phosphate dependency are included. The disorders of the metabolic pathways of biopterin, catecholamines, and serotonin are linked due to their common synthetic components. Both pyridoxine and pyridoxal-5-phosphate dependency need to be considered in refractory neonatal seizures. The most common disorder of GABA metabolism is SSADH deficiency, which has a broad phenotype of mental retardation, epilepsy, ataxia, and hyporeflexia and which invokes the combined problems of elevated brain GABA and GHB.

Pyridoxine supplementation corrects vitamin B6 deficiency but does not improve inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have subnormal vitamin pyridoxine B6 status, both quantitatively and functionally. Abnormal vitamin B6 status in rheumatoid arthritis has been associated with spontaneous tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production and markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Impaired vitamin B6 status could be a result of inflammation, and these patients may have higher demand for vitamin B6. The aim of this study was to determine if daily supplementation with 50 mg of pyridoxine for 30 days can correct the static and/or the functional abnormalities of vitamin B6 status seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and further investigate if pyridoxine supplementation has any effects on the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha or IL-6 production of arthritis. Although pyridoxine supplementation did not suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine production in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the suboptimal vitamin B6 status seen in rheumatoid arthritis can be corrected by 50 mg pyridoxine supplementation for 30 days. Data from the present study suggest that patients with rheumatoid arthritis may have higher requirements for vitamin B6 than those in a normal healthy population.

PLP and PMP radicals: a new paradigm in coenzyme B6 chemistry
Enzymes frequently rely on a broad repertoire of cofactors to perform chemically challenging transformations. The B6 coenzymes, composed of pyridoxal 5 phosphate ( PLP ) and pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate (PMP), are used by many transaminases, racemases, decarboxylases, and enzymes catalyzing alpha,beta and beta,gamma-eliminations. Despite the variety of reactions catalyzed by B6-dependent enzymes, the mechanism of almost all such enzymes is based on their ability to stabilize high-energy anionic intermediates in their reaction pathways by the pyridinium moiety of PLP/PMP. However, there are two notable exceptions to this model, which are discussed in this article. In both cases, the participation of free radicals in the reaction pathway has been established, placing these two B6-dependent enzymes in an exclusive class by themselves.

Plasma vitamin B6 vitamers before and after oral vitamin B6 treatment: a randomized placebo-controlled study Vitamin B(6) has attracted renewed interest because of its role in homocysteine metabolism and its possible relation to cardiovascular risk. We examined the plasma B(6) vitamers, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN), and 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA) before and after vitamin B(6) supplementation. Vitamin B(6) treatment has an immediate effect on the concentrations and the forms of B(6) vitamers present in plasma, and the changes remain the same during prolonged treatment. Our results suggest that the B(6) vitamers in plasma reflect vitamin B(6) intake.

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