Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is not just another antioxidant. It is the body’s first line of defense against oxidative stress, the enzymatic shield that neutralises reactive oxygen species before they cause structural damage. Unlike vitamins C or E, which neutralise radicals one by one, SOD acts catalytically—one molecule can disarm millions. This preserves cellular integrity, supports mitochondrial health, and underpins resilience across skin, energy, and cognition.
Endogenous SOD is vital, yet its levels decline with age, chronic stress, and environmental pressures. As this defense weakens, the body becomes more vulnerable to fatigue, poor recovery, and accelerated aging.
The essentials
What it is: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a natural enzyme produced by the body. It acts as one of our first lines of defence against oxidative stress, neutralising highly reactive molecules before they can damage cells.
Why it matters: Everyday life, from stress and sun exposure to normal metabolism — creates oxidative stress. While the body makes its own SOD, these defences naturally decline with age, making support for antioxidant capacity an important part of long-term balance and vitality.
Life stage relevance: From midlife onwards, the balance between free radicals and antioxidant defences shifts. Giving the body additional support can help maintain cellular protection and energy as part of a well-rounded approach to healthy ageing.
Where is SOD found?
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is present in virtually all living organisms, including plants. Some of the richest natural sources are green vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, and wheatgrass, as well as certain melons. Yet the amount of active SOD that survives digestion from food is extremely limited, and it varies widely depending on freshness, preparation, and storage. For example:
- Broccoli – naturally contains SOD and other antioxidants, though levels decline significantly with cooking.
- Spinach – a plant source with measurable SOD activity, best consumed fresh.
- Melon (Cucumis melo L.) – rare varieties, such as a cantaloupe melon from southern France, are exceptionally concentrated in SOD and used for extracting standardised, supplement-grade forms.
What to look for in an SOD formula
The challenge with SOD is not its importance, but its fragility. In food, this enzyme is easily destroyed during digestion, which means the body rarely benefits from it directly. For an SOD supplement to be meaningful, the way it is sourced and protected makes all the difference. Look for formulas that use a defined plant source, such as the cantaloupe melon, known for its naturally high SOD activity. The extract should be stabilised and protected, often with a coating or encapsulation system, to ensure that the enzyme remains active after ingestion. Just as important is clinical validation: the chosen form should be supported by human studies demonstrating its role in antioxidant capacity and markers linked to fatigue, stress, or cellular balance.
Finally, consider synergy. SOD is part of the body’s broader antioxidant network, working alongside nutrients like selenium and zinc, which help protect cells from oxidative stress. When combined thoughtfully, these actives can create a stronger and more complete foundation for resilience and long-term wellbeing.
Extramel® – A breakthrough in natural SOD
In 1989, French melon growers noticed something unusual: a rare variety of cantaloupe that stayed fresh weeks longer than others. Scientists uncovered its secret — an exceptionally high and stable content of SOD. From this discovery, Extramel® was developed: a patented, 100% natural melon juice concentrate, protected with a coating that allows SOD to survive digestion and trigger the body’s own antioxidant defenses.
Cultivated exclusively in the south of France, these melons are grown under controlled, sustainable conditions, without solvents, additives, or GMOs. The patented process concentrates their SOD and stabilises it for oral use, making it the first natural, bioavailable SOD clinically validated for daily supplementation.
Clinically proven efficacy
The results behind Extramel® are not anecdotal, they are measured in randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, the gold standard of clinical science. At just 10 mg per day, Extramel® delivered striking, double-digit improvements across stress, sleep, vitality, and cognition:
- Stress relief: +21.7% reduction vs placebo.
- Sleep quality: +70.7% improvement, showing deeper, more restorative nights.
- Motivation: +77.3% increase, reflecting greater drive and energy.
- Physical tonus (vitality): +61.7% improvement, with participants feeling more resilient and capable.
- Cognitive performance: +13.9% improvement after 28 days, climbing to +20.8% after 84 days.
These are not surface impressions or self-help claims — they are quantifiable, peer-reviewed results, proving that Extramel® restores balance where modern life erodes it most: stress regulation, sleep, energy, and focus.
Key takeaways
- SOD is the body’s master antioxidant, essential for resilience and cellular protection.
- Food sources exist, but active SOD rarely survives digestion.
- Extramel® is a patented French melon extract delivering bioactive, protected SOD.
- Clinically proven to improve stress, sleep, cognition, and vitality in as little as 4 weeks.
- Natural, efficient, and safe at just 10 mg/day.
Explore The Peak performance formula
Extramel™ melon juice extract, naturally rich in SOD, is included in our Peak Performance formula at 10 mg per daily dose (two softgels).
References
Carillon, J., Notin, C., Schmitt, K., Simoneau, G., & Lacan, D. (2014). Dietary Supplementation with a Superoxide Dismutase‐Melon Concentrate Reduces Stress, Physical and Mental Fatigue in Healthy People: A Randomised, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 6(6), 2348-2359. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6062348
Carillon, J., Notin, C., Schmitt, K., Simoneau, G., & Lacan, D. (2014). Dietary Supplementation with a Superoxide-Dismutase Melon Concentrate Reduces Stress, Physical and Mental Fatigue in Healthy People: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 6(6), 2348-2359. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6062348
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🇫🇷 Extramel™ is a trademarked, proprietary melon juice extract naturally rich in SOD, cultivated in the south of France by Robertet. Renowned for their expertise in clinically proven natural actives, Robertet develops Extramel™ with sustainability and scientific validation at its core.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for general informational purposes. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor should it be interpreted as making health claims. The content summarises ingredient characteristics based on publicly available research. Individual experiences may differ. For any questions regarding supplementation, nutrition, or personal health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions.
