(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Antioxidants fight off oxidative damage to our body and build up our immune system to keep us healthy, but some researchers say these benefits aren't reason enough to supplement daily. New studies show antioxidants may not be as healthy as we believe.

As our bodies create oxygen, reactive oxygen species (ROS) -- or free radicals -- are said to damage our internal organs, increasing risks for diseases including insulin resistance and diabetes. Researchers at Monash University in Australia say in a recent study that this may not be accurate. The researchers believe antioxidant's effects may actually increase the risk for diabetes.

The study found low levels of ROS, specifically hydrogen peroxide, may actually improve your ability to respond to insulin signals. Promotion of insulin response decreases the risk for diabetes. Antioxidants work to prevent such processes.

Lab mice with a deficiency that kept physiological ROS high in their systems didn't become insulin resistant when fed a high-fat diet. When the mice were given antioxidants, they developed signs of diabetes.

Tony Tiganis of Monash University was quoted as saying, "In a way, we think there is a delicate balance and that too much of a good thing -- surprise, surprise -- might be bad."

Tiganis recommends healthy people do not take daily antioxidant vitamins, but exercise to naturally promote insulin action. 

SOURCE: Cell Membrane, October 7, 2009

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