SOD3

Copper is one of two metal co-enzymes required by SOD3 to function along with zinc ⁷. Whilst there is no evidence that copper supplementation directly improves SOD3 function it has been shown to increase the amount of SOD3 secreted by cells, with a beneficial effect ⁸. Therefore those carrying the risk ‘G’ allele of C691G, which is associated with cardiovascular risk, may benefit from supplementation.

Zinc, along with copper, is one of two metal co-enzymes required by SOD3 to function ⁷. There is no evidence demonstrating a beneficial effect on SOD3 activity following zinc supplementation. However, zinc has been shown to demonstrate an antioxidant capacity through unknown means ⁹, therefore supplementation may benefit those carrying the risk ‘G’ allele of C691G.

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants which can protect against oxidative stress induced by free radicals ¹⁰.

Those carrying the ‘G’ allele of C691G, who display reduced SOD3 activity may therefore benefit from vitamin C supplementation to maintain antioxidant defence.

Vitamin E is another potent antioxidant, especially good at processing lipid derived free radicals commonly associated with an increased cardiovascular risk ¹¹.

Supplementation with vitamin E may help preserve antioxidant defence in those carrying the risk ‘G’ allele of C691G, which displays reduced SOD3 activity and an increased cardiovascular risk.

Vitamin A is a strong antioxidant, targeting lipid derived free radicals in particular ¹².

Supplementation with vitamin A may improve antioxidant defence in those carrying the risk ‘G’ allele of C691G, which displays reduced SOD3 activity.

Curcumin, often derived from the root of the tumeric plant is a bright yellow chemical with a strong antioxidant capacity. Curcumin has not been shown to influence SOD3 although it can induce SOD2 expression ¹³. Therefore, supplementation with curcumin may abrogate the loss of SOD3 activity associated with the risk ‘G’ allele, by increasing SOD2 activity.

Zeaxanthin is one of the most common naturally occurring natural plant pigments known as carotenoids. Functioning to absorb energy from light for use in photosynthesis, zeaxanthin also protects the plant from oxidative damage ¹⁴.

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 ‘G’ allele of C691G, who display reduced SOD2 antioxidant activity, zeaxanthin supplementation may assist in preventing oxidative damage, through an alternative pathway.

Lutein, a natural carotenoid pigment is produced by plants to absorb energy from light for use in photosynthesis, whilst also protecting the plant from damage from oxidative damage associated with excessive light ¹⁵.

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.

Supplementation with luetin may prove beneficial to those with impaired antioxidant activity, as is associated with the risk ‘G’ allele of C691G, by providing an alternative antioxidant pathway.

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 SOD3; however, in those carrying the risk ‘G’ allele of C691G which is associated with reduced SOD3 antioxidant capacity, glutathione may supplement for this reduced activity.