Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P-5-P) & Vitamin B6

Reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Initial Posting: 10/21/2015    Last Update: 8/2/2017

Question:
Is P-5-P really better than "regular" vitamin B6?

Answer:
Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, sometimes called P-5-P or PLP, is the active form of vitamin B₆ (pyridoxine). Most supplements provide the pyridoxine form of B₆, although some provide pyridoxal-5-phosphate, or a combination of both. Taken at recommended doses, both forms appear to be relatively safe and have similar bioavailability for most people. Although pyridoxal-5-phosphate is sometimes promoted as more beneficial for people with diabetes, there do not appear to be any studies in people to support this. For more details, see the "What to Consider When Buying" section of the B Vitamin Supplements Review >>

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