Research

Hormonal

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) function as essential signaling molecules that mediate stress responses and adaptation, rather than solely as damaging agents, a concept known as the 'gradual ROS response hypothesis'.

Understand that some oxidative stress is normal and necessary. Your body uses ROS as signals to adapt to stress, such as exercise or dietary restriction. Do not try to eliminate all ROS with high-dose antioxidants, as this may interfere with these beneficial signaling pathways. Embrace mild stressors that trigger adaptive responses.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
ROS are essential signalling molecules that mediate stress responses in general and the stress response to age-dependent damage in particular.
Marie Lagouge et al. · Journal of Internal Medicine · 2013

Why this rating

Based on multiple studies showing ROS involvement in stress response, autophagy, and adaptation.

Source

The role of mitochondrial <scp>DNA</scp> mutations and free radicals in disease and ageing

Marie Lagouge et al. · Journal of Internal Medicine · 2013

DOI 10.1111/joim.12055

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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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