What is Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)?

What is Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)? This is a question that we often are asked, as it is one of the ingredients found in our best-selling products, Microchloropsis Gaditana with TetraSOD.

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), which has been authorized as a novel food for human consumption by the European Union (EU) in 2014.[i], is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the cells from free radicals. A free radical is known as a molecule that has at least one unpaired valence electron. This makes them highly reactive. Superoxide is a free radical that is a byproduct of oxygen metabolism. If unregulated, superoxide can cause cell damage. Superoxide Dismutase helps regulate superoxide and therefore helps prevent cell damage.

Although SOD is very powerful, it is relatively unknown by the public. However, in the science sector it is causing some buzz.

SOD enzymes, “have been shown to be effective in anti-tumor, anti-radiation, and anti-aging studies.”[ii] It also has the potential to treat various diseases and improve nutrition.[iii]

Our SOD is sourced from Tetraselmis chuii a strain of phytoplankton that we grow in, outdoor enclosed photobioreactors. It is then freeze dried as a whole cell ingredient.

The ingredient is so powerful in part because it, “appears to function as an indirect antioxidant by boosting intracellular antioxidant systems.”[iv]

We include 25mg of Tetraselmis chuii in each serving of Microchloropsis Gaditana with TetraSOD which provides the full effects of the ingredient. It is a low dose, powerful ingredient regulating all key factors contributing to cellular health.

Our TetraSOD product activates NRF2. NRF2 is transcription factor, meaning it is a protein that controls the rate of the transcription of information going from DNA to RNA. It helps regulate the expression of antioxidant proteins that help against oxidative stress.

The activation of NRF2 can help boost cellular health because, “NRF2 activation renders cells resistant to chemical carcinogens and inflammatory challenges.”[v] NRF2 is also involved in other types of cell function such as metabolism and inflammation.

TetraSOD is the only ingredient supporting simultaneous NRF2 and SIRT1 regulation in human tissues by in vivo studies. The full function of SIRT1 in humans is still unknown. However, “studies suggest that the human sirtuins may function as intracellular regulatory proteins.”[vi]

SOD occurs naturally in the body, but studies show that the level of SOD in humans vary by age and tends to trend downwards. [vii] While SOD trends downwards as we age, the level of oxidative stress on the body also tends to increase during aging.[viii] With this in mind, taking advantage of the powers of SOD through our Gaditana with TetraSOD product may help you maintain oxidative stress as you age, and help you live your life to the fullest.