Vitamin B6 (PLP)

Advanced wellness

also pyridoxal 5'-phosphate

What it isPyridoxal-5-phosphate is the active form of vitamin B6, serving as a cofactor in over 150 enzymatic reactions including amino acid and neurotransmitter metabolism.

DoesDrives serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine synthesis; contributes to heme production; supports homocysteine clearance.

GoodAdequate B6 supports neurotransmitter balance, sleep, mood, and methylation.

BadLow B6 contributes to depression, PMS, peripheral neuropathy, and elevated homocysteine. Paradoxically, very high doses of B6 over time can also cause neuropathy.

Standard
20–125 nmol/L.
Optimal
60–110 nmol/L (higher is good within range)
Modifiers
Falls with alcohol, oral contraceptives, isoniazid.

How to optimize

Lifestyle
Diet
Poultry, fish, potatoes, bananas, chickpeas, pistachios.
Supplements
Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (25–50mg/day — the active form, avoids high-dose neuropathy risk); B-complex.
Peptides
Drugs