Addition of Melatonin reduces risk of Vancomycin induced Kidney Failure, finds study

Researchers said one of the reasons they believe melatonin reduces kidney failure is its ability to alleviate oxidative stress, which causes cell death and a build-up of toxins that damage the kidneys when patients use vancomycin. They postulate that melatonin, a natural supplement commonly used as a sleep aid, restores and repairs this kidney function facilitating the clearance of toxins from the body.

While many patients recover from acute kidney injuries, some do not, resulting in an increased cost of care for hospitalized patients. Researchers also cautioned that people must only use antibiotics when necessary and not "just in case" because they are not without risk.

The study was the first to examine such human data, and researchers plan further clinical studies on a larger and broader population.

"We hope our findings pave the way for larger group studies as acute kidney injury affects millions of people," Brunetti said.