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

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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

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