Tag: Active b6

The term "vitamin B6" actually refers to a group of six compounds known as vitamers, with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (P5P) being the active, coenzyme form. This distinction is crucial for understanding how the body utilizes this essential nutrient, particularly when considering supplementation.

A remarkable fact is that pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) is not an independent vitamin, but rather the active coenzyme form of vitamin B6 that plays a critical role in over 100 enzymatic reactions in the human body. Understanding what vitamin is pyridoxal phosphate is key to grasping how your body utilizes this essential nutrient for metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, and more.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B6 actually refers to a group of six related compounds, but in supplements, it most commonly refers to pyridoxine hydrochloride [1, 2.8.2]. This leads many to question: what's the difference between vitamin B6 and P5P, its active form, and which one is the right choice for optimal health?

P5P, the active coenzyme form of Vitamin B6, is responsible for over 140 vital enzymatic processes in the body. Unlike standard B6 (pyridoxine), P5P is immediately bioavailable, making it a highly efficient choice for addressing specific health needs. This article explores what is the supplement P5P good for and how it supports your body.