Pyridoxal 5-phosphate, or P-5-P, is the active form of Vitamin B6. The difference between regular Pyridoxine and P-5-P is that P-5-P does not need to undergo any more transformations as it is the target form of Vitamin B6.

Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate plays the role of coenzyme or prosthetic group. It is crucial for the function of many enzymes responsible for amino acid metabolism (aminotransferases and decarboxylases).

Vitamin B6 is a coenzyme for over 100 enzymes responsible for the work of the entire body, making it one of the most crucial B vitamins. It is involved in the metabolism of amino acids and homocysteine, the metabolism of glucose and lipids, the production of neurotransmitters, and the synthesis of DNA/RNA. It is also considered to have the capacity to work as a gene expression modulator.

References:

Spinneker A, Sola R, Lemmen V, Castillo MJ, Pietrzik K, González-Gross M. Vitamin B6 status, deficiency and its consequences-an overview. Nutr Hosp. 2007 Jan-Feb;22(1):7-24. PMID: 17260529.

Vitamin B6 deficiencies have been linked to nervous system disorders. This particularly relates to elderly disorders people, who may be cognitively impaired and also have a vascular and circulatory disease.

Reference:

Spinneker A, Sola R, Lemmen V, Castillo MJ, Pietrzik K, González-Gross M. Vitamin B6 status, deficiency and its consequences-an overview. Nutr Hosp. 2007 Jan-Feb;22(1):7-24. PMID: 17260529.

Vitamin B6, like all B vitamins, is a water-soluble vitamin.