Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that helps break down potentially harmful oxygen molecules (free radicals) in cells that might otherwise damage tissues. They are an important antioxidant defence within nearly all cells exposed to oxygen. SOD has been extensively researched to see if it can help conditions where oxygen molecules are believed to play a role in disease.
All plant and animal cells contain SOD, and the supplement form is generally extracted from melons.
When SOD is ingested in the body it will be destroyed by stomach acids and intestinal enzymes unless it is combined with an appropriate precursor molecule such as wheat gliadin.