pyridoxal

Pyridoxal is one of the three natural forms of vitamin B6, alongside pyridoxine and pyridoxamine. It is a precursor to pyridoxal phosphate, the active coenzyme form that plays a crucial role in numerous biochemical reactions. Pyridoxal phosphate acts as a coenzyme in amino acid metabolism (including transamination, decarboxylation, and deamination), glycogen breakdown, synthesis of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA), sphingolipid biosynthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, and hemoglobin production. Pyridoxal itself is used primarily for nutritional supplementation or to treat dietary deficiencies or imbalances[1][3][6]. Its mechanism of action involves conversion to pyridoxal phosphate by cellular kinases; this active form then participates directly in enzymatic processes essential for normal metabolic function[1][8].

Other names

4-formyl-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-2-methylpyridinevitamin B6 aldehyde form