Tag: Coenzyme

Over 90% of folate in human plasma circulates as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), which is the primary active form of folate in the body. This critical B vitamin, known as folic acid in its synthetic form, must be converted into its coenzyme form to perform essential functions such as DNA synthesis and repair.

In the human body, B6 phosphate, also known as pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), acts as an indispensable coenzyme for over 140 different enzyme reactions. This active form of vitamin B6 is essential for numerous physiological functions, including the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Folic acid is a vital B vitamin essential for the production and maintenance of new cells in the body. As a precursor to a key coenzyme, it is indispensable for numerous biological processes, including the healthy functioning of the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.

Over 95% of riboflavin found in foods exists in its active forms, including FAD. The conversion process that creates the critical coenzyme flavin adenine dinucleotide, or FAD, directly utilizes riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, as its foundational precursor.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B6 is involved in over 100 enzyme reactions in the body, most of which are related to protein metabolism. This makes it the pivotal vitamin functioning as part of a coenzyme needed for amino acid metabolism. Its active form, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), facilitates critical biochemical processes necessary for life.

Over 50 countries have implemented mandatory folic acid fortification to combat neural tube defects, but this public health measure masks the crucial role of vitamin B12. It is a critical cofactor for enzymes involved in folate metabolism, directly impacting DNA synthesis, cell division, and the prevention of megaloblastic anemia.

In 1929, Danish scientist Henrik Dam discovered a compound that prevented hemorrhaging in chickens, which he named the Koagulationsvitamin. This groundbreaking discovery confirmed that yes, vitamin K acts as a coenzyme and plays an essential role in blood coagulation.

Over 95% of the riboflavin (vitamin B2) in our bodies is in the form of its coenzymes, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN). This essential nutrient, often referred to as riboflavin, does not function directly but is the building block for these powerful coenzymes that are indispensable for human health.

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin B6 is a generic name for six related compounds, known as vitamers, that include pyridoxal 5-phosphate. While P5P is not the entire vitamin B6, it is the crucial active form that the body uses for its most vital functions.

Over 500 enzymatic reactions in the human body are powered by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+, a fundamental coenzyme found in all living cells. However, is NAD+ considered a vitamin? The answer is no, but its close relationship with Vitamin B3 (Niacin) is key to understanding its role in metabolism and cellular health.