Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) is a form of vitamin B6. It is an essential coenzyme in the body, meaning it is required for certain metabolic processes and reactions to occur. It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, as well as in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. It is also important for a healthy immune system and for red blood cell production. PLP is available in dietary supplement form and is sometimes prescribed to treat deficiencies of vitamin B6 caused by certain medical conditions.
Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, P5P) is the active form of vitamin B6 . It's a coenzyme involved in a wide variety of enzymatic reactions in the body. The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has catalogued more than 140 PLP-dependent activities, corresponding to ~4% of all classified activities [1].
Here are some of the important functions of pyridoxal phosphate:
- Amino acid metabolism: PLP is essential for the breakdown, synthesis, and interconversion of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins [2].
- Neurotransmitter synthesis: PLP is required for the production of several important neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine [3]. These chemicals help regulate mood, sleep, movement, and learning.
- Hemoglobin synthesis: PLP is necessary for the formation of heme, the iron-containing component of hemoglobin that carries oxygen in red blood cells [4].
- Carbhydrate metabolism: PLP plays a role in the breakdown of glycogen, a form of stored sugar, for energy production [5].
- Sphingolipid synthesis: PLP is involved in the production of sphingolipids, which are a type of fat molecule that is important for cell membrane structure and function [6].
Pyridoxal phosphate is available as a dietary supplement and can also be given by injection or intravenously (IV) to treat vitamin B6 deficiency. A deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause a variety of symptoms, including anemia, nerve damage, skin problems, and seizures.