Functional thiamine deficiency in end-stage renal disease: malnutrition despite ample nutrients.

Zhang et al. found that plasma concentrations of the thiamine antimetabolite oxythiamine are significantly increased in patients with end-stage renal disease. These investigators discuss the potential sources of oxythiamine and the consequences of its plasma elevation. This commentary addresses the significance of these findings and expands on the potential role of gut microbiome in the generation of this antithiamine metabolite.