Thiamine Protects Against Kidney Damage

Between 70% and 90% of diabetics are thiamine deficient. Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is a cheap and readily available supplement, and researchers believe it may protect cells against the harmful effects of the high blood sugar levels found in diabetes. Diabetics often suffer damage to small blood vessels in the body, including those that supply the kidneys. When the blood supply to the kidneys is impaired, important proteins like albumin are lost from the blood into the urine. In a recent study, one-third of the diabetic patients given daily doses of thiamine for three months saw a return to normal urinary albumin excretion. More ...