to keeping our liver functioning properly.
A coenzyme is a molecule that works with
the enzyme to aid it in carrying out its job.
Without the coenzyme, the enzyme would
be useless. As a coenzyme, vitamin B6
assists in an amazing variety of tasks – the
creation of heme, the iron-containing compo-
nent of red blood cells; making the hormone
serotonin (the “feel good” hormone);
processing carbohydrates for energy; keeping
the nervous system working smoothly, and
supporting hundreds of other jobs.
WHAT IS PYRIDOXAL-5-PHOSPHATE?
Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, or P5P as it
is commonly known, is the active form of
vitamin B6. In foods or most supplements,
vitamin B6 is found in one of three forms:
pyridoxine hydrochloride, pyridoxal, or
pyridoxamine. Inside the body, these forms
of B6 have to be converted by the liver to
the active form the body needs – P5P. Low
rates of conversion from the inactive to
the active form of vitamin B6 have been
reported, especially in people with impaired
liver function, celiac’s disease, older adults,
and in children with autism. By consuming
vitamin B6 in the active P5P form, conver-
sion is no longer necessary, and the full
benefits are available immediately after
absorption.
P5P’S GREAT PARTNER - MAGNESIUM
Magnesium is an extremely important
mineral for nervous system function. It helps
relax muscles and nerves, and like vitamin B6,
it acts as a cofactor for many enzyme systems
in the body. Deficiency of magnesium can lead
to numbness and tingling, muscle contractions
and cramps, and in severe cases, abnormal
heart rhythms. Magnesium is also excellent
at relieving pain. It works by blocking a pain
receptor called the NMDA receptor. Studies
on the effects of magnesium for relieving pain
have found benefits for people suffering from
headaches, premenstrual syndrome, and leg
cramps, among other conditions. I recom-
mend magnesium in the form of magnesium
glycinate chelate. This type of magnesium is
well-absorbed and doesn’t cause loose stools
or gastrointestinal upset, which can be present
with certain other forms of magnesium.
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Numbness and tingling in the fingers,
the palm of the hand, and pain in the
wrist or hand, sometimes extending to the
elbows, are some of the most common symp-
toms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
The pain is due to swelling where a nerve
enters the hand (through an opening called
the carpal tunnel). The swelling puts pres-
sure on the nerve which leads to the pain.
CTS is typically associated with repetitive
motion activities – typing on a keyboard,
sewing, writing, using hand tools (espe-
cially ones that vibrate) and more. People
spend millions of dollars on dangerous
anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, and
endure the discomfort and incapacitation
of surgery, splints, and braces to try to find
relief from this common syndrome. What if
I told you that the cure for carpal tunnel is
simply adequate amounts of active vitamin
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