Typical dose
Typical supplemental doses range from 20-100 mg...
Oral
Oral safety: low
About this supplement
Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate (PLP) is the biologically active coenzyme form of vitamin B6. It serves as an essential cofactor for over 140 enzymatic reactions in human metabolism, primarily involved in amino acid metabolism (transamination, decarboxylation, racemization), glycogenolysis, neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine), heme biosynthesis, and gene expression. Unlike the inactive forms pyridoxine or pyridoxamine, PLP does not require hepatic conversion and is immediately available for cellular use. It is crucial for cognitive development, immune function, hemoglobin formation, and maintaining normal homocysteine levels.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- Typical supplemental doses range from 20-100 mg daily, often as part of a B-complex or standalone active B6 supplement. Therapeutic doses for specific conditions may be higher under medical supervision.
- Suggested range
- 1.3-1.7 mg/day (as vitamin B6 equivalent for adults, RDA). Supplemental PLP doses commonly range from 20-100 mg/day.
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Vitamin B6
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
Vitamin B6 (P-5-P)
Active form of Vitamin B6; essential for protein metabolism & neurotransmitter s...
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal)
Essential B-vitamin; active coenzyme form; supports protein metabolism, cognitiv...
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine 5-phosphate)
Active coenzyme form of Vitamin B6; does not require liver activation.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
Essential vitamin for metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell formation.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Essential vitamin for metabolism, nerve function, and red blood cell formation.
Technical details â–¼
Chemical ID (CAS)
54-47-7
Formula
C8H10NO6P
Physical properties
Typically appears as a white to pale yellow crystalline powder. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. It is sensitive to light, heat, and alkaline conditions. The phosphate group makes it more polar and less stable than non-phosphorylated B6 vitamers.
How it’s made
Primarily produced synthetically via chemical phosphorylation of pyridoxal. Industrial synthesis involves multi-step organic reactions to create the phosphorylated aldehyde structure. It is purified through crystallization and filtration processes to meet pharmaceutical or nutraceutical grade standards.