P-5-P (active B6)

Pyridoxal-5-phosphate

Last updated 2026-05-19 · 2 primary citations

Mechanism

B6 is a cofactor in over 140 reactions in your body, including making the mood and motivation chemicals dopamine and serotonin. It's the third leg of the homocysteine-clearance system the VITACOG trial showed protects the aging brain.

Why we use it

The B-vitamin trio is not optional — folate, B12, and B6 work as a system. Skip B6 and the other two are weaker. We use the active form so the supplement works even if your liver is slow to convert standard B6.

How we dose it

Hericea uses 25 mg per serving (per AM stick pack). The clinical trial range that anchors this dose is 10–25 mg/day.

25 mg of the already-active form of vitamin B6. B6 is what your body uses to make dopamine and serotonin — and to neutralize the toxic byproduct that folate + B12 are also fighting.

Quality & sourcing

Pyridoxal-5-phosphate active B6 form.

Pharma-grade P-5-P.

Primary literature

Smith AD et al. (2010)

PLOS One

Source →

RCT (VITACOG)

B-vitamin trio (folate + B12 + B6 in active forms) slowed brain shrinkage in adults with mild cognitive impairment.

B6 was a required component of the VITACOG trio — that's why it's here at this dose, in this form.

DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0012244

Douaud G et al. (2013)

PNAS

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MRI sub-study (VITACOG)

Brain-MRI confirmation that the B-vitamin trio reduced shrinkage in memory-relevant brain regions.

Visual evidence the trio (including B6) actually protects brain structure, not just blood markers.

DOI 10.1073/pnas.1301816110