← Nutrients & foods

Other compounds & fats · FROM DR. PURSER’S TEACHING

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)

A family of enzymes made by the body that convert superoxide into hydrogen peroxide.

Based on teaching by Dan Purser, MD. How we prepare these guides

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Educational reference
Physician Designed SOD Booster capsule bottle.
SOD Booster, a product discussed in Dr. Purser’s teaching.

THE TEACHING CONNECTION

Why SOD is taught with catalase

Why SOD is taught with catalase

Dr. Purser teaches SOD as the superoxide-handling member of the redox team. Its enzyme reaction produces hydrogen peroxide, which is handled by other systems, including catalase and glutathione peroxidases. That sequence makes the three-part teaching more informative than a generic “antioxidant” label.

Putting the pieces together

SOD enzymes have different locations and mineral partners: SOD1 and SOD3 use copper and zinc, while SOD2 uses manganese. These connections do not show that you need more minerals or that an oral supplement replaces the enzymes in every tissue.

Where the VARS Triad and MTHFR Daily fit

If you are exploring homocysteine or cytokines, Dr. Purser may discuss MTHFR Daily and the VARS Triad: VARS Glutathione, VARS SOD, and VARS Catalase. He gives glutathione a central place in his approach to antioxidant support.

A gene result alone cannot tell you that you need these products or that they will treat a condition. Review your current results, medicines, goals, and tolerance with your clinician before choosing a product or dose.

How supplementation is approached

Dr. Purser teaches VARS SOD alongside VARS Glutathione and VARS Catalase as the VARS Triad. The educational point is coordinated antioxidant support: SOD-related chemistry and peroxide handling belong together. His model uses this framework prominently when homocysteine or cytokine issues are involved.

What symptoms can—and cannot—tell you

There is no established dietary deficiency syndrome for this specific botanical or compound. Symptoms are not evidence that you need this supplement.

Food sources

The body makes SOD enzymes. Eating a food containing SOD does not establish delivery of active enzyme to your tissues.

Supplement forms

Enzyme-containing products are marketed as supplements. Naturally occurring enzyme types do not establish that an oral product reaches a particular tissue.

A question to bring to your visit

Are we discussing a gene, a measured redox finding or a product—and what supports the proposed next step?

What to track and reassess

Record the exact formulation, start sequence and tolerance. A SOD gene variant does not mean an oral product replaces a missing enzyme in every tissue.

From starting support to follow-up

If you and your clinician start a CMA replenishment plan, you may add one new product at a time, often waiting 3–7 days to see how you feel. A check-in is usually planned near ten weeks during an approximately 100-day period. Follow your written plan for amounts and timing. At follow-up, you may continue, change, or stop each item. This timetable does not automatically end longer-term support.

Names you may see

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) · SOD