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Overview: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme that your body makes naturally. It is also found in some foods. Supplement makers often get SOD from melons (Cucumis melo). People take SOD for antioxidant support, heart health, and skin health. But its benefits are not well defined. Most studies have been done in animals, not people. SOD supplements seem to be well tolerated, but side effects are not fully known. Tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you take before using SOD.

Uses

What is superoxide dismutase (SOD) used for?

SOD is an antioxidant enzyme that the body makes on its own. People also take it as a dietary supplement. The benefits of SOD supplements are not well defined.

People commonly take SOD for the following.

Antioxidant or anti-inflammatory support
Heart and blood vessel health
Skin health and antiaging support
Reducing cell damage from radiation
Metabolic and fertility support
Protecting nerve cells

Note: The FDA has not reviewed superoxide dismutase for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does superoxide dismutase work (mechanism of action)?

SOD is an enzyme. Your body makes it naturally. Supplement makers also get it from sources such as melon (Cucumis melo). There are different types of SOD. Two common types are copper/zinc SOD and manganese SOD.

SOD breaks down harmful molecules called superoxide radicals. These molecules can damage your cells. SOD turns them into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. This is called dismutation. By doing this, SOD helps protect your cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.

SOD may also help lower inflammation in the body. Animal studies suggest it can reduce proteins that cause inflammation.

Some researchers think SOD supplements may not act as a direct antioxidant in the body. Instead, they may signal your body to make more of its own antioxidants. More human research is needed to understand how SOD works.

The benefits of superoxide dismutase supplements are not well defined.

How should I store superoxide dismutase?

You should store superoxide dismutase according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of superoxide dismutase?

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of superoxide dismutase?

While less common, the most serious side effects of superoxide dismutase are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Superoxide dismutase may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using superoxide dismutase and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching or skin rash
Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use superoxide dismutase?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use superoxide dismutase.

Melon (Cucumis melo) or other melon products, if the supplement is derived from melon extract
Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
Wheat or gluten, if the product uses a gliadin (wheat protein) coating
Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific superoxide dismutase products they stock.

What should I know about superoxide dismutase before using it?

Superoxide dismutase is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep superoxide dismutase out of the reach of children.

SOD supplements are available in different forms, including capsules and tablets. Some products use special coatings, such as gliadin (a protein from wheat), to try to protect the enzyme from being broken down in the stomach. If you have a wheat allergy or celiac disease, check the product label carefully before use.

The FDA has not tested superoxide dismutase products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using superoxide dismutase?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if superoxide dismutase is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have a wheat allergy, celiac disease, or a melon allergy, as some SOD supplement formulations may contain these ingredients.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Before taking superoxide dismutase (SOD), tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how superoxide dismutase (SOD) could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if superoxide dismutase (SOD) passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does superoxide dismutase interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between SOD and foods or drinks. It is not known how alcohol may affect SOD. Drinking alcohol can increase oxidative stress in the body. This could affect how well SOD works.

Does superoxide dismutase interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take before starting superoxide dismutase (SOD). The following interactions may be possible.

Antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol). Taking SOD with other antioxidants may add to the antioxidant effects.

The interactions between superoxide dismutase and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with superoxide dismutase is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking superoxide dismutase with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much superoxide dismutase?

If you or someone else has used too much superoxide dismutase, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplements are sold as capsules and tablets. The dose can vary by product. It is not known how much SOD would cause harm. There is not enough human data to know the signs of an overdose.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use superoxide dismutase (SOD) safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.

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This content was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.

WRITER

Michelle Vermeulen, PharmD, is the director of drug content at WebMD. She provides editorial leadership for health care professional (HCP) and consumer drug content for the WebMD Health Network. She oversees a team of pharmacists, medical writers, and expert reviewers across the U.S. and globally.Dr. Vermeulen has extensive experience in drug information and clinical content creation for electronic and mobile delivery with significant expertise in drug interactions. She has written for multiple comprehensive drug references, providing clinical decision support for the past 2 decades.Dr.

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MEDICAL REVIEWER

Beth Johnston, PharmD, BCPS, has over 15 years of experience in ambulatory care clinical pharmacy practice, including pharmacy management and serving as PGY-1 residency program director. She also has over 7 years of experience creating and editing the publication of high-quality drug information and educational resources for health care professionals and patients. Johnston completed her undergraduate degree in pharmacy at the University of South Carolina and earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina.