What is Superoxide Dismutase?

SOD stands for superoxide dismutase which is a kind of enzyme (what are enzymes) that repairs cells and reduces the damage from peroxides, the most common free radicals in the body. Superoxide dismutase can be found in the dermis and epidermis of human skin, which plays an important role in producing healthy fibroblasts.

Studies have shown that Sod has the ability to offset the free radical damages that cause wrinkles and cell cancers by its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Scientists have been studying the potential efficacy of superoxide dismutase as an anti-aging therapy since it is known that SOD levels will decrease with the increment of free radical levels in the body with aging.

Superoxide dismutase effectively combined with metal elements in the body such as zinc, copper and manganese, based on which SODs are mainly divided into 2 types, namely copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) SODs, and manganese (Mn) SODs. Each kind of SOD has different functions in maintaining cell health. For example, Cu/Zn SOD protects the cytoplasm of cells, while Mn SOD helps mitochondria away from free radical damage.

Abnormalities in the superoxide dismutase gene that combined with copper and zinc may cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal disease that causes degenerations of brain and spinal motor nerve cells. Theoretically speaking, the low level of superoxide dismutase in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis will leave the nerve cells without protection which will finally be killed by free radicals. That is why scientists launch the researches and development of vitamin E and antioxidant contained health care products. It is expected that conventional doses of antioxidants will compensate for SOD deficiency and help counteract the negative effects of free radicals. The initial results looked promising and confirmed that vitamin E supplements can delay the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Superoxide dismutase has been used to treat arthritis, prostate disease, corneal ulcers, burns, inflammatory disease such as bowel inflammatory disease, damages from long-term exposure to smoke and radiation, and to prevent side effects of anticancer drugs. When using externally, it will help reduce facial wrinkles, recover scar tissue, promote healing of wounds and burns, and prevent the skin from pigmentation UV radiation damage.

You can find SODs in most of the green plants, for instance, barley, broccoli and brussels sprouts. Besides, the body needs enough vitamin C and Cu to produce this natural antioxidant, and that is why you need to make sure enough absorption of this substance from your diet. You can also get SOD via injections, sublingual health care products, enteric-coated tablets and topical ointments. However, as this substance must be absorbed in the small intestine, you should choose enteric or sublingual health supplements to bypass the stomach acid and avoid destroying SOD before absorption.

Creative enzymes upgraded the technologies got ideal results in extracting SODs with the goal to improve purity and broaden the types of original sources of SODs. As a leader in the enzymes industry, Creative never forgets to push the boundaries of science to supply more qualified enzymes products to stimulate the development of the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology researches. Besides, services like, discovering, engineering and modifications are also available in Creative Enzymes supported by cutting-edge platform and scientists.