What is Superoxide Dismutase?
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is a vital antioxidant enzyme (CAS No. 9054-89-1, EC 1.15.1.1) also known as SOD enzyme, superoxide:superoxide oxidoreductase, or Cu, Zn-SOD/Mn-SOD, which catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide radicals into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, protecting cells from oxidative stress. Natural sources include melon extract, yeast extract, and certain microorganisms, with the enzyme commonly supplied in white crystalline powder form. Wuxi Cima Science is the leading bulk Superoxide Dismutase powder supplier in China, offering high-quality SOD specifications such as 20,000 U/G, 50,000 U/G, or customized activity levels verified by superoxide dismutase assay. Our standard packaging is 25kg/drum, and we provide full OEM services, including Formulation R&D, Capsules, Tablets, Softgels, Private Label Packaging, and higher activity customization to meet diverse application needs in dietary supplements and cosmetics. With excellent bioavailability when protected by delivery technologies, our SOD enzyme is an ideal ingredient for antioxidant, anti-aging, and cellular health formulations.
Types of Superoxide Dismutase
- Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1), also called Cu, Zn-SOD, is primarily located in the cytoplasm and is one of the most studied antioxidant enzymes. Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 SOD1 have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.
- Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2), also known as mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 or Mn-SOD, is localized in the mitochondria, protecting against free radical damage during energy production. Specific genetic variations such as SOD2 A16V have been widely researched for their health implications.
- The extracellular form of Superoxide Dismutase 3 (SOD3) helps maintain oxidative balance in tissues and circulation. SOD1, SOD2, and SOD3 represent the main antioxidant enzyme defenses at the cytoplasmic, mitochondrial, and extracellular levels, making them essential for cellular health, anti-aging, and disease prevention research.
Superoxide Dismutase Sources
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is a powerful antioxidant enzyme obtained from diverse natural and synthetic sources. Major sources include plants, animals, microbial fermentation, yeast extract, and recombinant methods, each offering unique benefits for supplements and cosmetics.
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Plant Sources / Superoxide Dismutase Foods: Many superoxide dismutase food sources are antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Foods high in superoxide dismutase include kiwi, pineapple, hawthorn, banana, garlic, and melon. French SOD B Melon Extract, marketed as SOD B Dimpless, and SOD GliSODin (melon SOD combined with gliadin for enhanced absorption) are leading examples.
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Animal Sources: Bovine superoxide dismutase from cow red blood cells has historically been a potent enzyme source. Some marine extracts, such as shellfish organ tissues, also contain measurable SOD activity.
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Microbial Fermentation & Recombinant Sources: Industrial-scale production often relies on microbial fermentation or recombinant techniques to produce high-purity manganese SOD (Mn-SOD) or copper-zinc SOD with consistent activity. These methods allow customization of activity levels (e.g., 20,000 U/G, 50,000 U/G) for different applications.
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Yeast Extract Sources (Cima Science Specialty): Wuxi Cima Science produces bulk Superoxide Dismutase powder from yeast extract, offering unique advantages. Yeast-derived SOD is non-GMO, natural, safe, and stable, with better scalability than animal sources and higher purity than many plant extracts. Most importantly, yeast-derived SOD delivers high enzyme activity levels, from 20,000 U/G and 50,000 U/G up to custom high U/G specifications, verified by superoxide dismutase assay. In addition, the wholesale price of yeast SOD is much lower compared to melon-based or bovine sources, making it a cost-effective choice for bulk buyers. The freeze-dried yeast extract SOD appears as a white crystalline powder with excellent bioavailability and stability, suitable for dietary supplements, functional foods, and skincare formulations.
Superoxide Dismutase Benefits
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a powerful antioxidant enzyme that defends against oxidative stress, supports cellular health, and is widely used in skincare and longevity supplements.
- Boosts SOD production
- Reduces cellular stress from free radicals
- Supports healthy aging and cell function
- Strengthens antioxidant defenses
- Protects red blood cells
- Maintains carotid artery health
- Promotes cardiovascular wellness
- Shields white blood cells under stress
- Guards against DNA damage
- Anti-aging and skin protection in skincare
SOD Applications
- In pharmaceuticals, SOD is used in injectables and topical drugs, often requiring ≥50,000 IU/g high-purity grades.
- In cosmetics, especially anti-aging and skincare formulations, stable SOD powders of 20,000–30,000 IU/g are common.
- In dietary supplements, SOD is formulated into capsules, tablets, powders, or functional beverages with typical specifications of 20,000–50,000 IU/g.
- Veterinary and agricultural applications usually use feed- or plant-grade SOD at 10,000–20,000 IU/g, while scientific research relies on ≥50,000 IU/g standards for oxidative stress studies.
Where to Buy Bulk Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Powder?
Wuxi Cima Science is the leading bulk superoxide dismutase powder manufacturer in China, offering high-quality SOD with specifications from 20,000 U/G to 50,000 U/G and custom activity levels. As a trusted superoxide dismutase supplier, we provide competitive wholesale pricing, direct factory production, and verified third-party quality testing reports.
Our yeast-extracted SOD is ideal for supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, with applications ranging from liposomal glutathione superoxide dismutase cream to advanced formulations containing manganese superoxide dismutase. If you want to buy superoxide dismutase in bulk, Cima Science delivers consistent quality, OEM services, and reliable global supply.
FAQs
What is the difference between IU and U/G in SOD?
IU (International Units) measures standardized enzyme activity, while U/G (Units per Gram) expresses activity per gram of material. Always confirm assay methods when comparing.
What specifications of bulk SOD powder do you offer?
Cima Science supplies superoxide dismutase powder with activity levels of 20,000 U/G, 50,000 U/G, or custom high U/G, which are verified by third-party quality testing reports.
Can you provide OEM and private label services?
Yes. We offer full OEM solutions, including formulation R&D, capsules, tablets, softgels, and private label packaging, tailored for supplement and cosmetic brands.
What certifications and testing do you provide?
All SOD raw materials come with third-party quality testing, and we can provide GMP, Kosher, and Halal certificates to meet international compliance.
How is Cima Science’s SOD different from melon or bovine sources?
Our yeast-extracted SOD offers high activity (20,000-50,000 U/G+), better stability, and lower wholesale price compared to melon or bovine-derived SOD, making it cost-effective for bulk buyers.
Can you produce customized blends with SOD?
Absolutely. We can combine SOD with ingredients like manganese superoxide dismutase, glutathione, or vitamins to create custom bulk formulas.





