Detox diet could increase risk of diabetes, say scientists

Published on Tuesday 6 October 2009 22:23

LOADING the body up with too many antioxidants may increase the risk of diabetes, a study suggests.

The finding turns the common view that antioxidants can do nothing but good for a person's health on its head.

Antioxidants neutralise molecules known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cells and DNA and have been linked to heart disease.

Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are said to be healthy largely because they contain high levels of antioxidants.

Millions of people also take antioxidant supplements to keep themselves healthy.

But the new research indicates it might be possible to have too much of a good thing.

Having a healthy number of ROS molecules in the body might protect against diabetes, it suggests. Conversely, mopping virtually all of the molecules up with antioxidants could raise the risk of developing the disease.

The destructive molecules, also known as oxygen free radicals, seem to reduce insulin resistance. This is when the body's cells cease to respond properly to the hormone insulin, which regulates sugar uptake. Insulin resistance eventually leads to type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease.