Antioxidant Defense Test (SOD) - Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Test

This test measures the activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in blood serum, red blood cells, or tissues. SOD is one of the body's essential antioxidant enzymes, catalyzing the conversion of the toxic superoxide radical to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. The test indirectly measures enzyme activity; increased inhibition (or decreased activity) indicates elevated free radical levels and a depletion of the body's antioxidant defenses.