Which vitamin is required for the synthesis of neurotransmitters through decarboxylation?

Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters through the process of decarboxylation. It serves as a cofactor for the enzyme aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, which is involved in converting neurotransmitter precursors into their active forms. For example, pyridoxine is necessary for the conversion of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) to serotonin and for the conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine. Without adequate pyridoxine, these critical neurotransmitters cannot be synthesized effectively, potentially leading to neurological issues.

In contrast, thiamine involves carbohydrate metabolism and is crucial for pyruvate decarboxylation but is not directly involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. Niacin plays a role as a precursor for NAD and NADP, important cofactors in cellular metabolism, and does not engage in neurotransmitter decarboxylation. Biotin is primarily involved in carboxylation reactions, such as fatty acid synthesis and gluconeogenesis, rather than in the decarboxylation of neurotransmitters. Thus, pyridoxine is specifically required for the neurotransmitter biosynthetic pathways that involve dec