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NOW Foods P-5-P 50 mg – 90 Veg Capsules
Bioactive Coenzyme Vitamin B-6 with Albion® TRAACS® Magnesium Bisglycinate
Product Overview: The Predominant Active Coenzyme Form of B-6
Vitamin B-6 is a critical water-soluble micronutrient required as a cofactor for more than 160 distinct enzymatic and biochemical reactions throughout the human body. However, standard over-the-counter dietary supplements predominantly use pyridoxine hydrochloride (HCl)—an inactive precursor that demands extensive, multi-step enzymatic phosphorylation and oxidation in the liver before your cells can utilize it. NOW® Foods P-5-P 50 mg Veg Capsules delivers Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P-5-P), the metabolically active, ready-to-use coenzyme form of Vitamin B-6. By bypassing the hepatic conversion process entirely, this high-potency formula guarantees superior bioavailability and immediate tissue uptake. Enhanced with Albion® TRAACS® Magnesium Bisglycinate, this formulation ensures that the critical ATP-dependent enzymatic pathways that depend on B-6 function with maximum biological efficiency.Quick Facts & Formula Highlights
- Active Coenzyme Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate: 50 mg P-5-P Monohydrate yielding 33 mg of elemental, biologically active Vitamin B-6 per serving.
- Chelated Magnesium Synergist: 25 mg of elemental Magnesium from Albion® TRAACS® Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate.
- Bypasses Hepatic Conversion: Ideal for individuals with compromised liver enzymatic activity, metabolic challenges, or genetic variations.
- Pure & Allergen-Friendly: Formulated in 100% vegetarian/vegan capsules; non-GMO, kosher-certified, and free of gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, nuts, and artificial preservatives.
- Manufactured in a cGMP Facility: Rigorously tested via HPLC and mass spectrometry for purity, potency, and heavy metal compliance.
Bioavailability Science: P-5-P vs. Standard Pyridoxine HCl
When evaluating Vitamin B-6 supplements, the molecular form dictates biological efficacy:1. The Liver Conversion Bottleneck
Standard dietary supplements typically utilize synthetic pyridoxine hydrochloride. Once absorbed in the small intestine, pyridoxine must travel via the portal vein to the liver, where it requires two rate-limiting enzymatic steps:- Phosphorylation by the enzyme pyridoxal kinase (which requires magnesium and ATP).
- Oxidation via pyridoxine-5'-phosphate oxidase (PNPO), an enzyme strictly dependent on active riboflavin (Vitamin B2 / FMN).
2. Direct Tissue Delivery
Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P-5-P) is the primary active circulating vitamer that directly binds to apoenzymes. Supplementing with P-5-P eliminates the hepatic bottleneck, allowing direct assimilation into target tissues including the central nervous system, erythrocytes, and peripheral nerve fibers.3. Reduced Risk of Competitive Inhibition
High-dose administration of unphosphorylated pyridoxine HCl can paradoxically block native PLP receptors on nerve cells, contributing to reversible sensory nerve irritation. P-5-P provides the exact physiological metabolite required by neurons, delivering high biological activity without saturating cellular transport systems with inactive vitamers.Why Magnesium Bisglycinate? The Albion® TRAACS® Advantage
NOW Foods uniquely pairs 50 mg of P-5-P with 25 mg of elemental Magnesium in the form of Albion® TRAACS® (The Real Amino Acid Chelate System) Magnesium Bisglycinate:- Obligate Enzymatic Synergist: Magnesium serves as an essential cofactor for pyridoxal kinase and ATP hydrolysis. Without adequate intracellular magnesium, Vitamin B-6 cannot be effectively cycled, utilized, or retained by human cells.
- Superior Gastrointestinal Tolerability: Unlike cheap magnesium oxide or citrate forms, bisglycinate chelate is bound to two glycine amino acids. This prevents osmotic fluid shifts in the bowel, eliminating loose stools and stomach upset while delivering exceptional intestinal absorption.
- Neurological Harmony: Both active B-6 and magnesium work symbiotically to modulate the central nervous system, calming neuronal excitability and supporting normal muscular relaxation.
Clinically Validated Health Benefits & Applications
1. Neurotransmitter Synthesis & Mood Balance
Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate serves as an obligatory coenzyme for aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing key neurotransmitters:- Serotonin & Melatonin: Converts 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) into serotonin, supporting emotional stability, resilience to stress, and healthy sleep-wake circadian rhythm cycles.
- Dopamine & Norepinephrine: Converts L-DOPA into dopamine, regulating executive function, motivation, motor control, and mental focus.
- GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): Drives glutamate decarboxylase to synthesize GABA from glutamate, providing vital inhibitory control to prevent neurochemical over-excitation, anxious restlessness, and irritability.
2. Cardiovascular Support & Homocysteine Clearance
Elevated plasma homocysteine is a clinically recognized risk factor for vascular endothelial damage and cardiovascular dysfunction. P-5-P acts as the indispensable coenzyme for cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) and cystathionase in the transsulfuration pathway, which breaks down homocysteine into cystathionine and ultimately into the master intracellular antioxidant glutathione. While Methylfolate (B-9) and Methylcobalamin (B-12) recycle homocysteine via remethylation, P-5-P is required to permanently clear excess homocysteine from circulation.3. Premenstrual Symptom (PMS) & Hormonal Regulation
Clinical studies indicate that active Vitamin B-6 modulates steroid hormone receptor expression and regulates intracellular aldosterone, assisting in healthy fluid balance. By facilitating dopamine synthesis and modulating prolactin release, P-5-P helps ease cyclic breast tenderness, premenstrual water retention, temporary mood fluctuations, and fatigue associated with the luteal phase.4. Peripheral Nerve & Carpal Tunnel Support
P-5-P is integral to the enzymatic synthesis of sphingolipids, which form the protective myelin sheath surrounding peripheral nerve axons. Maintaining optimal active B-6 status helps support healthy peripheral microcirculation, tactile sensitivity, and median nerve comfort in the wrists and hands.5. Protein, Lipid & Glycogen Metabolism
Athletes and individuals on high-protein or ketogenic diets have higher metabolic demands for Vitamin B-6. P-5-P acts as a structural prosthetic group for glycogen phosphorylase, releasing glucose-1-phosphate from stored muscle glycogen to sustain cellular energy production during exertion.Supplement Facts & Complete Ingredient Listing
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Servings Per Container: 90
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|
| Vitamin B-6 [from 50 mg Coenzyme Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P-5-P) Monohydrate] | 33 mg (1,941%) |
| Magnesium [from 250 mg Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate (TRAACS®)] | 25 mg (6%) |
Complete Ingredient Listing
Other Ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose (cellulose capsule), Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid (vegetable source), and Silicon Dioxide.Allergen & Manufacturing Information
- Allergen Free: Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut, or sesame ingredients.
- Facility Standards: Produced in a Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.
- Dietary Certifications: Vegan, Vegetarian, Non-GMO Project Verified, Kosher, Halal.
- Trademarks: TRAACS® is a registered trademark of Albion Laboratories, Inc.
Suggested Usage & Storage
Recommended Daily Intake: Take 1 vegetarian capsule daily, preferably with a morning or midday meal, or as directed by your qualified healthcare practitioner. Usage Best Practices: Because active Vitamin B-6 is an energizing cofactor involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and energy metabolism, taking it earlier in the day is recommended. For comprehensive metabolic support, pair with a balanced Vitamin B-Complex or high-quality multivitamin. Storage Instructions: Store in a cool, dry place after opening (ideally between 60°F-75°F / 15°C-24°C). Keep the bottle tightly sealed away from excessive humidity and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.Safety, Contraindications & Clinical Precautions
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): The National Academy of Medicine establishes the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for Vitamin B-6 at 100 mg daily for adults. NOW® P-5-P delivers 33 mg of elemental B-6 per serving, well within established physiological safety guidelines.
- Levodopa (L-DOPA) Interaction: Active B-6 accelerates the peripheral breakdown of levodopa, diminishing its efficacy unless co-administered with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor (such as carbidopa).
- Anticonvulsants & Prescription Medications: May alter circulating levels of phenytoin and phenobarbital. Consult your prescribing physician before using this product if taking pharmaceutical medications.
- Medical Disclaimer: For adults only. Consult a physician if pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a medical condition (particularly kidney impairment or neurological disorders).