Superoxide Dismutase (SOD): Natural Antioxidant
What is SOD and what is its function?
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a natural enzyme with antioxidant activity and serves as the body’s primary defense against oxidative stress. It is part of the biological mechanisms related to redox balance and cellular protection at the molecular level. Its antioxidant profile makes it an ingredient of interest for dietary supplement formulations.
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme of the body’s primary antioxidant system. Unlike classical antioxidants such as carotenoids, flavonoids, or vitamins (A, E, C), SOD acts as the first line of molecular antioxidant defense, catalyzing the conversion of reactive oxygen species into less reactive products, and is capable of neutralizing up to 1 million free radicals.
Metabolism: free radicals vs SOD
Metabolism is the natural process through which the body obtains energy for all vital functions from nutrients and oxygen, producing energy and CO₂. This is a natural oxidation process at the cellular level.
During this process, reactive species known as free radicals are generated, which participate in molecular-level oxidation reactions that can potentially damage the body. Under certain conditions, these reactive species can interact with cellular components such as:
- DNA alterations.
- Disruption of cell membranes.
- Triggering inflammatory processes.
- Inactivation of the immune system.
SOD is an antioxidant enzyme of the primary defense system that helps convert these reactive species into less reactive molecules to mitigate their potential adverse effects. However, in many cases, the number of free radicals increases significantly, and the body’s endogenous SOD levels are not sufficient to neutralize them.
Diets high in fats and sugars, processed foods, physical activity, and aging can result in insufficient natural SOD levels, leading to these undesired effects.
In this context, TetraSOD® can be incorporated into dietary supplements, cosmetics, or nutraceutical products, providing antioxidant activity at the molecular level and value for advanced formulations.
Properties and applications of SOD
SOD is an antioxidant enzyme of the primary defense system that can be used in products aimed at cellular balance, general well-being, and skin care, making it an ingredient of interest for developers and professionals.
Areas of Interest for SOD
SOD is an antioxidant enzyme of the primary defense system. Its antioxidant profile and molecular-level activity make it relevant for a variety of application areas:
- Antioxidant activity and cellular balance
- Cognitive function and mental well-being
- Support for general well-being and oxidative balance
- Support for cardiovascular health and circulation
- Support for physical recovery
- Relation to physical activity and performance
- Joint function and mobility
- Fertility and reproductive function
- Auditory support and ear health
- Skin texture and dermal well-being
- Skin care applications
- Eye health and vision
- Weight management and body composition
- Redox balance and antioxidant processes
Beauty and Skin Care
The skin is the body’s largest organ and a key area for cosmetic formulations. SOD can be incorporated into beauty and dermal care products as a functional ingredient of interest for developers, particularly in applications related to:
- Formulations for mature skin
- Skin texture and appearance
- Applications in products aimed at protection from environmental factors
- Support in products for dermal well-being
- Formulations to enhance hydration and smoothness
- Products focused on maintaining cutaneous antioxidant function
Foods rich in super oxide dismutase
Some cereals, such as wheat or barley, vegetables like peas or broccoli, and fruits such as melon or certain types of berries, contain relatively high levels of SOD.
However, recent research has shown that the main natural source of SOD is found in certain types of marine algae or phytoplankton.
Natural sources of SOD, GPx and CAT
If SOD is a key enzyme within the antioxidant system, GPx (glutathione peroxidase) and CAT (catalase) are also part of this enzymatic network, contributing to a more complete and functional antioxidant system.
Therefore, it is not only important for foods to contain SOD, but also to have a balanced composition. Direct antioxidant activity can be assessed through in vitro tests, such as ORAC, allowing for the characterization and comparison of ingredients.
Among natural sources with the highest antioxidant capacity, fruits—especially red fruits—stand out, as well as marine-derived phytoplankton.
What is ORAC?
ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. This value allows for the quantification of the antioxidant capacity of different foods or natural compounds capable of neutralizing free radicals at the molecular level.
ORAC units are expressed in µmol TE per 100 g, where TE (Trolox Equivalent) is the standard of antioxidant activity, using the compound Trolox as a reference.
ORAC units are µmol TE per 100 g, where TE (Trolox Equivalent) is the standard of antioxidant activity taking the Trolox compound as a reference.
The most balanced SOD ingredient
Among the many species of phytoplankton, Tetraselmis chuii, a marine unicellular alga, stands out as a particularly relevant natural source for food supplements, recognized for its significance in studies related to free radicals.
Marine phytoplankton is primarily a natural source of SOD and an ingredient with a balanced profile of antioxidant enzymes, making it of interest for the development of supplements, cosmetic products, and nutraceuticals.
Among the many species of phytoplankton, Tetraselmis chuii, a marine unicellular alga, stands out for its high content of antioxidant enzymes and other nutrients, making it a versatile ingredient for developers of functional and cosmetic products.
TetraSOD® is an active ingredient derived from the microalga Tetraselmis chuii, characterized by its balanced antioxidant capacity at the molecular level. It contains the three antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT), essential fatty acids, secondary antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and pigments.
Proven antioxidant capacity of TetraSOD®
| Parameter | Value per 1 gram |
|---|---|
| SOD activity | ≥ 30.000 IU |
| CAA (cell activity assay) | 38.94 µmol QE |
| ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) | 343 µmol TE |
FAQs about SOD
How is TetraSOD® formulated in dietary supplements?
TetraSOD® contains approximately 750 IU of SOD per 25 mg of ingredient, allowing formulators to calculate the SOD concentration in capsules, tablets, or food supplements according to the requirements of the final product.
In cosmetic products, such as creams or lotions, smaller amounts of SOD are generally used, depending on the type of formulation and the technical recommendations of each brand.
Does SOD have any side effects?
SOD is an enzyme naturally present in the body. Its inclusion in supplements, nutraceutical products, or cosmetics is carried out following standard formulation practices and good manufacturing practices.
It is important to consider the complete profile of each formulation, as other components in the product may be responsible for allergic reactions or adverse effects, depending on the formulation and intended use.
In general, for formulations aimed at specific populations (children, pregnant or breastfeeding women), developers are advised to consult applicable regulations and the brand’s technical recommendations.
What does the name SOD mean?
Most of the enzymes in our body have a name derived from their biological function.
Most enzymes in the body are named according to their biological function. In the case of superoxide dismutase (SOD):
“Superoxide” refers to the compounds it acts upon, known as oxygen free radicals or superoxides.
“Dismutase” indicates that the enzyme participates in the transformation or neutralization of these compounds at the molecular level.
References and bibliography:
- Superoxide dismutase, an updated review on its health benefits and industrial applications: https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.1913400
- Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Acetylation and Regulation of Protein Structure in Breast Cancer Biology and Therapy
: https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11040635 - Glucose-lowering effects of orally administered superoxide dismutase in type 2 diabetic model rats: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41538-022-00151-5
- Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and cancer: https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-3002-2-17
- Oxidative stress and visual system: https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2022-4663
- Superoxide dismutase 3 prevents early stage diabetic retinopathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262396
- Antioxidants and Their Role in Preventing Diseases: https://doi.org/10.34198/ejcs.7222.165182
- Therapeutic Treatment of Superoxide Dismutase 1 (G93A) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063403