Typical dose
1.3-100 mg daily, depending on application. Typi...
Oral
Oral safety: low
About this supplement
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal) is one of the three natural, biologically active forms of vitamin B6, along with pyridoxine and pyridoxamine. Pyridoxal is the primary coenzyme form in the body, specifically as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), which serves as a cofactor in over 140 enzymatic reactions involved in amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis (serotonin, dopamine, GABA), hemoglobin formation, glycogenolysis, and immune function. It is essential for cognitive development, protein metabolism, and red blood cell production. Unlike pyridoxine (common in supplements), pyridoxal is the form found in animal-based foods and is directly utilized in metabolic pathways.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- 1.3-100 mg daily, depending on application. Typical adult dietary supplement dose is 1.3-2.0 mg. Higher doses (50-100 mg) are sometimes used under medical supervision.
- Suggested range
- 1.3-100 mg daily
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:
Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate (PLP)
Active form of Vitamin B6; essential cofactor for numerous enzymes.
Vitamin B6 (P-5-P)
Active form of Vitamin B6; essential for protein metabolism & neurotransmitter s...
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)
66-72-8
Formula
C8H9NO3
Physical properties
Typically appears as a white to slightly yellow crystalline powder. Soluble in water and alcohol. Sensitive to light, heat, and alkaline conditions. The hydrochloride salt (pyridoxal HCl) is more stable and commonly used.
How it’s made
Primarily produced synthetically via chemical synthesis (e.g., Diels-Alder reaction) for supplement use. Can be derived from natural sources via extraction, but commercial scale is almost entirely synthetic due to cost and purity requirements.