Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)
For the body system: Serotonin

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Vitamin B6, particularly in its active form pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP), is scientifically validated as a coenzyme involved in the biosynthesis of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin. The conversion of the amino acid tryptophan to serotonin is a two-step process: first, tryptophan is hydroxylated to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), and then 5-HTP is decarboxylated to serotonin. The second step is catalyzed by the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, which requires PLP (Vitamin B6) as a cofactor. Deficiency in Vitamin B6 can result in impaired serotonin production, which has been linked in some studies to mood disorders such as depression.

Clinical evidence supports that low Vitamin B6 status correlates with lower serotonin levels and a higher risk of mood disturbances. Some interventional studies have shown that Vitamin B6 supplementation can improve symptoms in people with depression or premenstrual syndrome (PMS), potentially by supporting neurotransmitter synthesis. However, while there is robust biochemical evidence for the necessity of B6 in serotonin synthesis, clinical trial data directly demonstrating that B6 supplementation alone improves serotonin-linked outcomes in the general population is limited. Thus, the evidence is rated a 4: strong mechanistic and some clinical support, but more large, controlled trials are needed for unequivocal proof.

More about Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)
More about Serotonin

Other body systems supported by Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)

Blood
Brain
Circulatory System
Dopamine
Immune System
Nerves
Serotonin

Products containing Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)

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