Superoxide Dismutase

Superoxide Dismutase: Overview

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an antiinflammatory, antioxidant enzyme produced by the body that protects against joint inflammation.

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Although SOD has been sold as a supplement, animal research shows that oral SOD is destroyed by the digestive system before it can repair damaged joints. Responsible scientists presume the same is true for humans, and there remains no evidence supporting the use of oral SOD supplements. Additional research with enteric-coated tablets of active SOD may provide new routes of administration in the future for use in inflammatory disorders.

Nevertheless, three minerals are needed by the body to make its own SOD: zinc, copper and manganese. Deficient levels of copper and manganese will lower SOD levels in animals. Moreover, copper-deficient humans have low SOD levels which increase with copper supplementation. Supplementing copper in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has also been reported to increase SOD levels.

Superoxide Dismutase can help with the following:

Digestion

Crohn's Disease

A study from France demonstrated the use of an antioxidant called superoxide dismutase and desferoxamine (an iron chelating drug) which allowed 82% of severe Crohn's patients to go into remission.

Musculo-Skeletal

Rheumatoid Arthritis

In a Danish study, arthritis patients were treated with injections of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme containing copper (or manganese and zinc) that is found within the cells. Many obtained relief from symptoms such as joint swelling, pain and morning stiffness.

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