Noted: What these findings mean for those of us who work out regularly is still being determined by scientists. But one message is clear. ??The evidence suggests that antioxidants are not needed?? by most athletes, even those training strenuously, said Li Li Ji, a professor of exercise physiology and nutritional science at the University of Wisconsin and one of the authors of the rat study. ??The body adapts,?? he said, a process that can, it seems, be altered by antioxidant supplements.