New research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that taking the antioxidant vitamins, C and E after a workout, may undo some of the most important health benefits of exercise.
Some advocate taking vitamins C and E after a workout to help protect the body from harmful chemicals called ‘free-radicals’. The damage they cause called ‘oxidative stress’ has been implicated in causing major diseases such as heart disease and cancer, as well as speeding up the aging process.
But, scientists from the University of Jena in Germany who have been conducting studies, now believe that these free-radicals may actually be good for us and even offer some protection against developing type 2 diabetes.
They have shown that free radicals may increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which is gradually lost in type 2 diabetes, and that this effect is blocked by taking vitamins C and E after exercise.
Their study involved men who took vitamin C and E supplements after exercise who showed no changes in their free radical levels, and those who did not take the supplements who showed increased levels of free radical oxidative stress.
After four weeks of intensive exercise, insulin sensitivity was only restored in the group of men who did not take the antioxidant supplements.
The message from the findings suggest that although antioxidants can prevent harmful free radical damage and lower the risk of developing diseases such as cancer, when consumed in large quantities on a regular basis they may be harmful to health in other respects.
Most dietitians agree that a healthy balanced diet should provide individuals with all the nutrients they need, thus preventing running the risk of consuming large amounts of supplements that may be harmful to health.
The findings of this study add to growing evidence that vitamins have complex effects on the body which can do both harm as well as good. DRWF recommend that the advice of a healthcare professional be sought before taking any supplement if you have diabetes. This is important to avoid any possible interaction with medication.