Monograph

Discourage free radical accumulation and inhibit cellular damage with Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). SOD can aid the absorption of essential minerals, including zinc, copper, and manganese. NUTRAscriptives SOD can be a strong line of defense with antioxidant activity that may aid cellular health.
 

Description

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme found in the cytoplasm (cellular fluid). As an antioxidant, it neutralizes the most common free radical – superoxide radical (O2) – by converting it into water and hydrogen peroxide. As a sublingual, NUTRAscriptivesâ SOD is designed to directly enter the bloodstream bypassing the stomach acid that deactivates this powerful antioxidant before it is absorbed by the body.

Research

Antioxidant

Antioxidant enzymes, including SOD decline in the body as we age leading to cellular dysfunction and degenerative ailments. Restoring the body's natural defenses can offset the increase of free radicals; specifically, SOD is a potent defense against oxidative stress. One study found SOD supplementation is beneficial in protecting against cell death caused by oxidative stress, when SOD is formulated to bypass acid found in the gastrointestinal tract.[1]

A similar study gave a SOD formulation to 20 healthy volunteers observing the nutrient's effect on oxidative stress. Researchers concluded oral SOD had strong antioxidant activity, as it reduced isoprostane blood levels (indicates level of oxidative stress in the body).[2] Furthermore, SOD's antioxidant activity can prevent the breakdown of type I collagen (abundant collagen found in tendons and bones) during oxidative stress.[3]

Inflammation

The lungs rely on antioxidants to counterbalance the rapid accumulation of oxidative stress. High levels of SOD are found in the lungs, as it protects the lungs from inflammation that leads to a reduced flow of oxygen. One study observed that SOD prevented the oxidative breakdown of hyaluronan, which contributes to abnormal cell growth and the formation of inflammation in lung injuries.[4]

A similar study reviewed the effects of SOD in mice with systemic inflammation. Results indicated that SOD was effective in decreasing oxidative damage in the lungs and it lessened the systemic inflammatory response to increase the survival rate in mice.[5]

Individuals with chronic joint inflammation often have lower levels of SOD in their cartilage, in comparison to individuals with healthy joints.[6] Various studies have evaluated the effects of low antioxidant levels on cartilage destruction and chronic joint inflammation.[7],[8] One study recruited 97 patients with chronic joint inflammation to measure various antioxidant blood levels and review the relation to joint ailments. Results indicated low levels of antioxidants, including SOD, were associated with chronic joint inflammation. Researchers concluded antioxidant supplementation could reduce free radical production and alleviate joint inflammation.11

Cellular Health

Individuals with decreased pancreatic cellular immunity often have low levels of SOD in the pancreas. By restoring SOD levels, one study found SOD could improve cellular immunity in mice with pancreatic ailments.[9]

One study measured the extent of oxidative stress in women with cervical ailments, along with the circulating levels of SOD. Low levels of SOD were an indication of abnormal cell growth in women with cervical ailments, as SOD was circulated through the body to scavenge free radicals.[10] In such cases, SOD supplementation can further aid the body in fighting free radicals.

Inflammation caused by abnormal cell growth may be inhibited with SOD. An animal study gave rats with abnormal cell proliferation a protected SOD formula. Results suggested the oral SOD hindered the progression of abnormal cell growth by reducing inflammation caused by superoxide radicals.[11]

Cardiovascular

High SOD levels are found in the heart, as the cardiovascular system depends on antioxidants to prevent oxidative damage.

One study measured SOD levels in three different groups of men, including subjects with cardiovascular ailments, healthy pilots with cholesterol imbalances, and pilots with normal cardiovascular function. Measurements indicated that SOD levels were lowest in men with cardiovascular ailments and low SOD levels had a greater association to cardiovascular dysfunction than cholesterol imbalances.[12]

Cognitive Function

Preliminary research has evaluated SOD's role in preventing cognitive decline. One study measured SOD activity in mice finding higher SOD levels were associated with improved learning and memory function. Researchers concluded SOD might be useful in relieving age-related cognitive decline.[13]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, dissolve one to two sublingual tablets under the tongue one hour before eating, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

375 mcg to 1,500 mcg per day in divided doses

Precautions

The maximum safe dosage of this supplement has not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

There are no known adverse reactions with proper supplementation.

Drug Interactions

There are no known interactions with proper supplementation.

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Vouldoukis, I, Conti, M, Krauss, P, et al. Supplementation with gliadin-combined plant superoxide dismutase extract promotes antioxidant defences and protects against oxidative stress. Phytother Res. 2004 Dec; 18(12):957-962.

[2] Muth, CM, Glenz, Y, Klaus, M, et al. Influence of an orally effective SOD on hyperbaric oxygen-related cell damage. Free Radic Res. 2004 Sep; 38(9):927-932.

[3] Petersen, SV, Oury, TD, Ostergaard, L, et al. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) binds to type i collagen and protects against oxidative fragmentation. J Biol Chem. 2004 Apr; 279(14):13705-13710.

[4] Gao, F, Koenitzer, JR, Tobolewski, JM, et al. Extracellular superoxide dismutase inhibits inflammation by preventing oxidative fragmentation of hyaluronan. J Biol Chem. 2008 Mar; 283(10):6058-6066.

[5] Ueda, J, Starr, ME, Takahashi, H, et al. Decreased pulmonary extracellular superoxide dismutase during systemic inflammation. Free Radic Biol Med. 2008 Jun 24.

[6] Mazzetti, I, Grigolo, B, Pulsatelli, L, et al. Differential roles of nitric oxide and oxygen radicals in chondrocytes affected by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Sci. 2001 Dec; 101(6):593-599.

[7] Karatas, F, Ozates, I, Canatan, H, et al. Antioxidant status & lipid peroxidation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Indian J Med Res. 2003 Oct;118:178-181.

[8] Bae, SC, Kim, SJ, Sung, MK. Inadequate antioxidant nutrient intake and altered plasma antioxidant status of rheumatoid arthritis patients. J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Aug; 22(4):311-315.

[9] Ough, M, Lewis, A, Zhang, Y, et al. Inhibition of cell growth by overexpression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in human pancreatic carcinoma. Free Radic Res. 2004 Nov; 38(11):1223-1333.

[10] Manju, V, Balasubramanian, V, Nalini, N. Oxidative stress and tumor markers in cervical cancer patients. J Biochem Mol Biol Biophys. 2002 Dec; 6(6):387-390.

[11] Okada, F, Shionova, H, Kobayashi, M, et al. Prevention of inflammation-mediated acquisition of metastatic properties of benign mouse fibrosarcoma cells by administration of an orally available superoxide dismutase. Br J Cancer. 2006 Mar; 94(6):854-862.

[12] Zawadzka-Bartczak, E. Activities of red blood cell anti-oxidative enzymes (SOD, GPx) and total anti-oxidative capacity of serum (TAS) in men with coronary atherosclerosis and in healthy pilots. Med Sci Monit. 2005 Sep; 11(9):CR440-444.

[13] Levin, ED. Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) quenches free radicals and attenuates age-related cognitive decline: opportunities for novel drug development in aging. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2005 Apr; 2(2):191-196.