SOD2

SOD2 is sometimes known as manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase as it requires manganese as a cofactor in order to function.

Supplementation with manganese has been shown to increase SOD2 activity in two lab models, but it is unclear if there will be a direct benefit to humans ^11,12.

Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants, which can protect against oxidative stress induced by free radicals ¹³.

Those carrying the ‘T’ allele of T47C, who display reduced SOD2 activity may benefit from vitamin C supplementation to maintain antioxidant defence.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, especially for lipid derived free radicals ¹⁴.

Supplementation may help preserve antioxidant defence in those carrying the risk ‘T’ allele of T47C, which displays reduced SOD2 activity.

Vitamin A is a strong antioxidant, especially for targeting lipid derived free radicals ¹⁵.

Supplementation with vitamin A may prove beneficial to those with a reduced antioxidant capacity, as is associated with the risk ‘T’ allele of T47C.

Curcumin is a bright yellow chemical produced by many plants, although it is typically extracted from tumeric roots which are an especially rich source.

Numerous health benefits have been ascribed to curcumin including a reduction in oxidative damage mediated through increased expression of SOD2 ¹⁶. Therefore, in those carrying the risk ‘T’ allele of T47C supplementation with curcumin may restore, or improve antioxidant function.

Zeaxanthin is one of the most common naturally occurring compounds known as carotenoids. These natural plant pigments absorb energy from light for use in photosynthesis, whilst also protecting the plant from oxidative damage arising from excessive light ¹⁷.

Animals cannot synthesize zeaxanthin and so must acquire it from their diet, with reddy vegetables and spices such as paprika or saffron being rich sources.

In those carrying the ‘T’ allele of T47C, who display reduced SOD2 antioxidant activity, zeaxanthin supplementation may assist in preventing oxidative damage.

Lutein is one of over 600 naturally occurring compounds known as carotenoids. These natural pigments are produced by plants to absorb energy from light for use in photosynthesis, whilst also protecting the plant from oxidative damage from excessive light ¹⁸.

Animals are incapable of synthesizing lutein and so must acquire it from their diet, with dark green plants such as spinach or kale being particularly rich sources. Therefore supplementation with luetin may prove beneficial to those with impaired antioxidant activity, as is associated with the risk ‘T’ allele of T47C.

Glutathione is an important antioxidant in its own right, but is also used by the glutathione peroxidase family of antioxidant enzymes. There is no direct interaction with SOD2; however, in those carrying the risk ‘T’ allele of T47C which is associated with reduced SOD2 antioxidant capacity, glutathione may supplement for this reduced activity.