When you exercise, get sick or hurt—when you just live—your body loses energy. And what happens when your body loses energy? Your cells lose their ability to protect themselves, allowing free radicals to attack with a vengeance.Scientifically speaking, superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzyme that alternately catalyzes the dismutation of the superoxide radical into either ordinary molecular oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. Superoxide is produced as a byproduct of oxygen metabolism and, if not regulated, causes many types of cell damage.Plainly speaking, SOD neutralizes the free radicals that all cells produce every minute of the day. A naturally occurring enzyme found in all living things, SOD forms a protective barrier that shields your cells from oxidative stress. This makes it one of the body’s most crucial antioxidants, responsible for disarming dangerous free radicals, repairing damaged cells, and strengthening your body’s natural antioxidant systems. Learn more about the toll oxidative stress and free radicals take on your body.