Antioxidants May Increase the Risk of Developing Diabetes

Research shows the supplements, known as antioxidants, may interfere with blood glucose levels, which can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants, including vitamins A, C and E, and selenium are believed to "mop up" cancer-causing compounds known as free radicals.

However, In a recent published report, it showed low levels of these free radicals appear to protect against diabetes by helping the body respond to insulin signals. Professor Tony Tiganis, an expert in cell biology at Australia’s Monash University who led the study, said: "We think there is a delicate balance and that too much of a good thing -- surprise, surprise -- might be bad."

"I would advise people not to take these supplements because they could be detrimental."

Prof. Tiganis’s team carried out their research on mice but he said, "There is other evidence antioxidants might be bad for you."   A recent study in the Journal Of The American Medical Association indicates regularly taking antioxidant supplements may even shorten life.

It reviewed 68 studies on the use of antioxidant supplements in adults and found that, apart from the mineral selenium and vitamin C, antioxidant supplements were associated with a "significantly" shorter lifespan.

A spokeswoman for the Health Supplements Information Service said of the diabetes study, "These findings are extremely preliminary and cannot be extrapolated to humans." She said evidence that antioxidants decrease life terms was not consistent with other findings.

But only last week in Belgrade, Serbia, the European Society Of Gynaecological Oncology was told women who take large amounts of folate, vitamin B2, B6 or B12 supplements increased their risk of womb cancer. A study of 23,000 women over 20 years showed that heavy consumers were twice as likely to develop the disease.

Dr. Stefano Uccella, an expert in gynaecological surgery from the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, found that while a folate intake of 200-600 micrograms a day did have a protective effect, levels nearer 1,000 micrograms increased the risk of uterine cancer.

This research has implications for women’s health if a U.K. government proposal to fortify bread flour with folic acid is adopted in an attempt to reduce birth deformities.

Yinka Ebo, health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said, "This study of womb cancer in older women adds to the evidence that taking high doses of vitamin supplements can increase the risk of some types of cancer.  "The best way to get the vitamins and minerals that you need is through a balanced diet and for most healthy people there should be no need to take supplements.  "Some people are advised to take supplements and they should follow medical guidance and talk to their doctor if they are worried."

A spokesman for the Health Supplements Information Service said, "Folic acid at the recommended daily amount of 400 micrograms is vital for pregnant women in protecting against abnormalities such as spina bifida which has been on the increase."

the journal Cell Metabolism, Oct. 2009