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Ingredients

Superoxide Dismutase

GliSODin · Melon superoxide dismutase · Cucumis melo superoxide dismutase · Oral superoxide dismutase · SOD-gliadin

Snapshot

IndicationsContraindications
  • Vitiligo adjunct1
  • Perceived stress2
  • Physical and mental fatigue2
  • Exercise-related inflammation3, 4
  • Wheat allergy or celiac disease5
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding5

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an endogenous enzyme that converts superoxide radicals to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide6. Supplementation aims to support endogenous antioxidant defenses7. Uses include exercise recovery and inflammation in athletes, perceived stress and fatigue, and vitiligo alongside phototherapy. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) states that oral SOD is not absorbed into the bloodstream6.

Evidence is limited. Reviews describe clinical efficacy as far from demonstrated, and the positive findings for gliadin-protected, melon-derived extract come from animal studies8. In 2023, an uncontrolled before-and-after study in hemodialysis patients found lower serum inflammatory cytokines after gliadin-bound SOD; no randomized trial has confirmed it9. Products are capsules and tablets of SOD, often melon-derived or gliadin-combined, with many products listing superoxide dismutase; see Form comparison.

Gliadin comes from wheat, which is the reason behind the main caution.5 Some United States (US) product labels warn against use with wheat or gluten allergy and celiac disease5. Other US labels ask pregnant or nursing users to consult a health care practitioner first5.

Last updated October 17, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

34 sources, 26 studies

  • When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
  • SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
  • InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
  • Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
  • How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
  • Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
  • Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
  • Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.
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Sources

  1. 1Oral gliadin-protected superoxide dismutase in addition to phototherapy for treating non-segmental vitiligo: A 24-week prospective randomized placebo-controlled study.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govFontas, Montaudié, Passeron · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2021 · Pubmed
  2. 2Dietary supplementation with a superoxide dismutase-melon concentrate reduces stress, physical and mental fatigue in healthy people: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govCarillon, Notin, Schmitt et al. · Nutrients · 2014 · Pubmed
  3. 3Effects of oral supplementation with plant superoxide dismutase extract on selected redox parameters and an inflammatory marker in a 2,000-m rowing-ergometer test.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govSkarpanska-Stejnborn, Pilaczynska-Szczesniak, Basta et al. · International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism · 2011 · Pubmed
  4. 4Effects of 6-Week Supplementation with GliSODin on Parameters of Muscle Damages, Metabolic, and Work Performance at International Level Rowers after Specific Maximal Effort.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govDudašova Petrovičova, Stanković, Milinković et al. · Biology · 2022 · Pubmed
  5. 5US product labelsdsld.od.nih.govWarnings printed on US dietary supplement labels with this ingredient, from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements' Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD). Manufacturers' precautions, not evidence of harm
  6. 6MSKCCmskcc.orgMemorial Sloan Kettering — About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products
  7. 7Superoxide dismutase administration, a potential therapy against oxidative stress related diseases: several routes of supplementation and proposal of an original mechanism of action.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govCarillon, Rouanet, Cristol et al. · Pharmaceutical research · 2013 · Pubmed
  8. 8Superoxide Dismutase Administration: A Review of Proposed Human Uses.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govRosa, Corsi, Cavi et al. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2021 · Pubmed
  9. 9The effect of superoxide dismutase supplementation on TNF-α and TGF-β levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govSupriyadi, Rakhmawati Kurniaatmaja, Huang et al. · European review for medical and pharmacological sciences · 2023 · Pubmed