Benefits of Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate monohydrate Supplements

Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate monohydrate is the hydrated form of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), which is also the most active and bioavailable form of vitamin B6.

What is the relationship between pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) and vitamin B6?

Studies have shown a positive correlation between PLP levels and dietary pyridoxine (vitamin B6) intake. In an animal study, it was found that rats on an ad libitum diet without vitamin B6 had significantly lower PLP concentrations compared to rats on a diet with restricted vitamin B6 intake supplemented with 100 μg of vitamin B6 daily. PLP levels continued to decline from the time of infection with *Litomosoma kauri* 8 weeks after the start of the diet until the end of the experiment. PLP levels in nematodes isolated from pyridoxine-deficient rats were 3 to 3.5 times lower than those isolated from rats supplemented with vitamin B6.

Vitamin B6 is one of the core molecules in living cells. It contains various active compounds or homologues, including pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine (distinguished from the former two by containing an amino group), and 2,5'-phosphate esters. The main esters are active coenzyme forms, including pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) and pyridoxamine phosphate (PMP).

As a coenzyme, vitamin B6 participates in more than 100 enzymatic reactions, including carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism (especially homocysteine metabolism), gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis, and lipid metabolism. Vitamin B6 also participates in key cellular functions. It plays an important role in transamination, decarboxylation, and the initial steps of porphyrin synthesis. Pyridoxine participates in cognitive development through neurotransmitter synthesis, in immune function through the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2), and in hemoglobin formation. Adequate vitamin B6 is required for fetal brain development, and this need continues into infancy. Recommended daily intake (RDA) for vitamin B6 is determined based on age and life stage, including pregnancy and lactation, and includes the maximum recommended daily intake.

What happens if PLP levels are low?

The impact of PLP on performance stems from its extensive involvement in metabolic processes. Low PLP levels may reduce muscle repair and growth, cause lethargy, and severe deficiency may lead to cardiovascular dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy.

Diets that restrict vitamin B6 intake and low plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) levels alter the composition of plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). However, studies have found sex differences in the relationship between plasma PLP and plasma EPA, DHA, EPA + DHA, EPA/AA, and (EPA + DHA)/AA. In young/middle-aged adults in the United States, only men showed a significant direct association. No association was found between PLP and PUFA in women. Furthermore, vitamin B6, as an essential coenzyme involved in single-carbon metabolism, plays a crucial role in fetal development. Therefore, low PLP levels are also detrimental to fetal development.

Benefits of Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate monohydrate supplementation

Compared to pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), direct supplementation with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate monohydrate is often the preferred choice because it bypasses the body's conversion process, ensuring immediate availability for enzymatic reactions. This is particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals under high pressure, whose vitamin B6 requirements may increase.

Supplementation with pyridoxal 5'-phosphate monohydrate can synthesize neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, maintaining a healthy nervous system; it can support healthy cardiovascular and kidney function, as well as a healthy immune system; and it can protect lipids and proteins from the effects of glycosylation.

Essentially, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate monohydrate acts as a catalyst for many key bodily functions, contributing to optimal performance. Its role in energy metabolism and neurotransmitter regulation highlights its importance for physical endurance and cognitive acuity.

References:

[1] BEG M A, INGRAM G A, STOREY D M. Plasma Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate Levels in Vitamin B6 Deficient Cotton Rats During Infection with Litomosoides carinii[J]. Journal of Nutritional Immunology, 1994, 53 1: 0. DOI:10.1300/J053V02N03\_04.

[2] HYOJUNG KIM. Gender Differences in the Associations of Plasma Pyridoxal 5’-Phosphate with Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids among US Young and Middle-Aged Adults: NHANES 2003-2004.[J]. Nutrients, 2021, 13 2. DOI:10.3390/nu13020477.

[3] M. BROWN; K. B; Muhammad Atif Ameer. Vitamin B6 Deficiency[J]. Definitions, 2020, 15 1. DOI:10.32388/nxu4sb.

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