SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE (SOD): Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme found in all living cells. An enzyme is a substance that speeds up certain chemical reactions in the body.

Superoxide dismutase helps break down potentially harmful oxygen molecules in cells. This might prevent damage to tissues. Some superoxide dismutase products are made from cows. Others are made from melons or created in a lab.

People use superoxide dismutase for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), heart attack, pneumonia, stress, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

Osteoarthritis. Injecting superoxide dismutase into the joint might help reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis. Injections can only be given by a healthcare provider.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Injecting superoxide dismutase into the joint might help reduce pain and stiffness in people with RA. Injections can only be given by a healthcare provider.

Likely InEffective for

Heart attack. Giving superoxide dismutase by IV doesn't seem to help to reduce heart damage after a heart attack. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.

There is interest in using superoxide dismutase for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Superoxide dismutase is possibly safe when used for up to 6 months.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if superoxide dismutase is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied into the eye: There isn't enough reliable information to know if superoxide dismutase is safe or what the side effects might be.

Some superoxide dismutase products come from animal sources, so there is some concern that products made from sick or diseased animals could cause health issues. But there have been no reports of people getting sick after using superoxide dismutase products taken from animals.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if superoxide dismutase is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: There isn't enough reliable information to know if is safe or what the side effects might be.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE (SOD) overview.

Dosing

Superoxide dismutase has most often been used by adults in doses of 140 IU by mouth daily for up to 4 months. Injection and topical products are also used. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

Bertolotto F., Massone A. Combination of alpha lipoic acid and superoxide dismutase leads to physiological and symptomatic improvements in diabetic neuropathy. Drugs R D 2012;12(1):29-34. View abstract.

Broadley MR, White PJ. Eats roots and leaves. Can edible horticultural crops address dietary calcium, magnesium and potassium deficiencies? Proc Nutr Soc 2010;69(4):601-12. View abstract.

Carillon J, Notin C, Schmitt K, et al. Dietary supplementation with a superoxide dismutase-melon concentrate reduces stress, physical and mental fatigue in healthy people: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients 2014;6(6):2348-59. View abstract.

Chen R, Zhao Q, Wu N, et al. Pharmacokinetics and safety of PC-SOD, a lecithinized recombinant superoxide dismutase, in healthy Chinese subjects: A phase 1, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2019 Dec;57(12):596-602. View abstract.

de Benito V, de Barrio M, de Lopez-Saez MP, et al. Anaphylactic shock caused by impurities in orgotein preparations. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2001;29:272-5.. View abstract.

Didangelos T, Karlafti E, Kotzakioulafi E, et al. Efficacy and safety of the combination of superoxide dismutase, alpha lipoic acid, vitamin B12, and carnitine for 12 months in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Nutrients. 2020 Oct 23;12(11):E3254. View abstract.

Flaherty JT, Pitt B, Gruber JW, et al. Recombinant human superoxide dismutase (h-SOD) fails to improve recovery of ventricular function in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction. Circulation 1994;89:1982-91. View abstract.

Fontas E, Montaudié H, Passeron T. Oral gliadin-protected superoxide dismutase in addition to phototherapy for treating non-segmental vitiligo: a 24-week prospective randomized placebo-controlled study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021;35(8):1725-9. View abstract.

Gammer W, Broback LG. Clinical comparison of orgotein and methylprednisolone acetate in the treatment of osteoarthrosis of the knee joint. Scand J Rheumatol 1984;13:108-12. View abstract.

Goebel KM, Storck U, Neurath F. Intrasynovial orgotein therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet 1981;1:1015-7. View abstract.

Goebel KM, Storck U. Effect of intra-articular orgotein versus a corticosteroid on rheumatoid arthritis of the knees. Am J Med 1983;74:124-8. View abstract.

Kadrnka F. [Results of a multicenter orgotein study in radiation induced and interstitial cystitis]. Eur J Rheumatol Inflamm 1981;4:237-43. View abstract.

Kamio K, Azuma A, Ohta K, et al. Double-blind controlled trial of lecithinized superoxide dismutase in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia - short term evaluation of safety and tolerability. BMC Pulm Med 2014;14:86. View abstract.

Land W, Schneeberger H, Schleibner S, et al. The beneficial effect of human recombinant superoxide dismutase on acute and chronic rejection events in recipients of cadaveric renal transplants. Transplantation 1994;57:211-7. View abstract.

Landeen KC, Spanos WC, Gromer L. Topical superoxide dismutase in posttreatment fibrosis in patients with head and neck cancer. Head Neck. 2018;40(7):1400-1405. View abstract.

Letizia Mauro G, Cataldo P, Barbera G, Sanfilippo A. a-Lipoic acid and superoxide dismutase in the management of chronic neck pain: a prospective randomized study. Drugs R D 2014;14(1):1-7. View abstract.

Lewis CJ. Letter to reiterate certain public health and safety concerns to firms manufacturing or importing dietary supplements that contain specific bovine tissues. FDA. Available at: www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr05.html.

McIlwain H, Silverfield JC, Cheatum DE, et al. Intra-articular orgotein in osteoarthritis of the knee: a placebo-controlled efficacy, safety, and dosage comparison. Am J Med 1989;87:295-300. View abstract.

Murohara Y, Yui Y, Hattori R, et al. Effects of superoxide dismutase on reperfusion arrhythmias and left ventricular function in patients undergoing thrombolysis for anterior wall acute myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol 1991;67:765-7.

Nielsen OS, Overgaard J, Overgaard M, et al. Orgotein in radiation treatment of bladder cancer. A report on allergic reactions and lack of radioprotective effect. Acta Oncol 1987;26:101-4. View abstract.

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Pollak R, Andrisevic JH, Maddux MS, et al. A randomized double-blind trial of the use of human recombinant superoxide dismutase in renal transplantation. Transplantation 1993;55:57-60. View abstract.

Rondanelli M, Miraglia N, Putignano P, et al. Effects of 60-day Saccharomyces boulardii and superoxide dismutase supplementation on body composition, hunger sensation, pro/antioxidant ratio, inflammation and hormonal lipo-metabolic biomarkers in obese adults: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Nutrients 2021;13(8):2512. View abstract.

Rosenfeld W, Evans H, Concepcion L, et al. Prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia by administration of bovine superoxide dismutase in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. J Pediatr 1984;105:781-5. View abstract.

Sanchiz F, Milla A, Artola N, et al. Prevention of radioinduced cystitis by orgotein: a randomized study. Anticancer Res, 1996;16(4A):2025-8. View abstract.

Shimmura S, Igarashi R, Taguchi H, et al. Lecithin-bound superoxide dismutase in the treatment of noninfectious corneal ulcers. Am J Ophthalmol 2003;135:613-9. View abstract.

Walravens M, Dequeker J. Comparison of gold and orgotein treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 1976;20:62-9.

Easy Exercises for RA

Healthy Eating With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ways to Keep Your Joints Healthy

Recognize RA Symptoms

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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