The Top 8 Oxidative Stress Genes on DNA Panels — And How to Support Them (and Why It Works)
By Dr D. Michael Elliott, MSc, D.C., CFMP Functional & Lifestyle Medicine
Oxidative stress DNA panels commonly assess genes involved in glutathione recycling, mitochondrial function, hydrogen peroxide breakdown, nitric oxide balance and inflammatory control.
Below are the top 8 oxidative stress genes typically reported — with two foods, two nutrients, two nutraceuticals and two peptides for each — along with a short explanation of why each helps.
SOD2 – Mitochondrial Superoxide Dismutase
Issue: Reduced ability to neutralise mitochondrial superoxide.
Foods
• Spinach – provides manganese, a required cofactor for SOD2.• Blueberries – supply polyphenols that reduce mitochondrial ROS production.
Nutrients
• Manganese – directly activates the SOD2 enzyme.• Magnesium – supports mitochondrial ATP stability and reduces oxidative leakage.
Nutraceuticals
• CoQ10 – improves electron transport chain efficiency, lowering superoxide formation.• PQQ – stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, diluting oxidative burden.
Peptides
• SS-31 – stabilises cardiolipin, reducing mitochondrial ROS generation.• Humanin – protects mitochondria from oxidative apoptosis signalling.
GPX1 – Glutathione Peroxidase
Issue: Impaired reduction of hydrogen peroxide.
Foods
• Brazil nuts – rich in selenium, essential for GPX enzyme activity.• Garlic – provides sulfur compounds for glutathione synthesis.
Nutrients
• Selenium – required structural component of GPX1.• Vitamin C – helps recycle oxidised glutathione.
Nutraceuticals
• NAC – supplies cysteine for glutathione production.• Liposomal glutathione – directly replenishes depleted glutathione stores.
Peptides
• TB-500 – reduces inflammation, lowering oxidative load.• GHK-Cu – upregulates antioxidant gene expression.
CAT – Catalase
Issue: Reduced breakdown of hydrogen peroxide.
Foods
• Broccoli sprouts – activate Nrf2, increasing catalase expression.• Kale – supplies antioxidants that reduce peroxide accumulation.
Nutrients
• Zinc – supports enzymatic antioxidant systems.• Iron (balanced) – required for catalase structure.
Nutraceuticals
• Alpha-lipoic acid – regenerates antioxidant enzymes.• Sulforaphane – induces catalase gene expression via Nrf2 activation.
Peptides
• GHK-Cu – enhances antioxidant gene signalling.• BPC-157 – reduces oxidative inflammation at tissue level.
GSTM1 / GSTT1 – Glutathione Transferases
Issue: Reduced toxin conjugation capacity.
Foods
• Onions – supply sulfur donors for glutathione pathways.• Brussels sprouts – activate detox enzyme expression.
Nutrients
• Selenium – supports glutathione recycling.• Vitamin B6 – required for transsulfuration pathway.
Nutraceuticals
• Sulforaphane – stimulates Phase II detox enzymes.• Milk thistle – protects hepatocytes from oxidative injury.
Peptides
• TB-500 – supports cellular repair during detox stress.• Livagen – promotes liver cell stability.
NQO1 – Quinone Detoxification
Issue: Reduced ability to neutralise reactive quinones.
Foods
• Beetroot – enhances nitric oxide and redox balance.• Pomegranate – rich in polyphenols that activate Nrf2.
Nutrients
• CoQ10 – stabilises mitochondrial quinone cycling.• Riboflavin – supports redox enzyme systems.
Nutraceuticals
• Resveratrol – activates antioxidant gene pathways.• Curcumin – reduces oxidative inflammatory signalling.
Peptides
• Humanin – mitigates mitochondrial oxidative stress.• SS-31 – reduces cardiolipin oxidation.
NOS3 (eNOS) – Nitric Oxide Balance
Issue: Impaired nitric oxide and endothelial oxidative stress.
Foods
• Beetroot – increases nitric oxide availability.• Watermelon – provides citrulline to support NO synthesis.
Nutrients
• Magnesium – enhances endothelial function.• Vitamin D – modulates inflammatory nitric oxide pathways.
Nutraceuticals
• L-arginine – substrate for nitric oxide production.• Citrulline – increases arginine bioavailability.
Peptides
• BPC-157 – enhances angiogenesis and NO regulation.• GHK-Cu – improves vascular repair signalling.
UCP2 – Mitochondrial Uncoupling
Issue: Altered mitochondrial efficiency and ROS leakage.
Foods
• Green tea – improves mitochondrial efficiency.• Extra virgin olive oil – reduces oxidative membrane damage.
Nutrients
• Omega-3 fatty acids – improve mitochondrial membrane fluidity.• Magnesium – stabilises ATP production.
Nutraceuticals
• Berberine – improves metabolic efficiency.• PQQ – stimulates mitochondrial renewal.
Peptides
• MOTS-c – enhances mitochondrial metabolic signalling.• SS-31 – reduces mitochondrial oxidative leakage.
HMOX1 – Stress Response Gene
Issue: Reduced adaptive antioxidant response.
Foods
• Turmeric-containing meals – induce stress response genes.• Leafy greens – provide antioxidant cofactors.
Nutrients
• Zinc – supports cellular stress adaptation.• Vitamin C – buffers oxidative damage.
Nutraceuticals
• Curcumin – activates Nrf2 and HMOX1 expression.• Quercetin – modulates inflammatory oxidative pathways.
Peptides
• TB-500 – supports tissue repair under stress.• Humanin – enhances cellular resilience to oxidative injury.
Clinical Summary
Oxidative stress genes influence:
✔ Mitochondrial performance✔ Glutathione recycling✔ Detoxification efficiency✔ Endothelial health✔ Inflammatory balance
Targeted nutrition forms the foundation. Nutraceuticals enhance biochemical pathways. Peptides, where appropriate, may offer advanced mitochondrial and cellular support.
For personalised oxidative stress DNA interpretation, contact Able Bodied Healthcare & Chiropractic.
