Micronutrients and superoxide dismutase in postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis: a pilot interventional study

Purpose: The study was aimed at investigating changes in periodontal parameters and superoxide dismutase activity triggered by root surface debridement with and without micronutrient supplementation in postmenopausal women. Methods: Forty-three postmenopausal chronic periodontitis patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 22) were provided periodontal treatment in the form of scaling and root planing (SRP) and group 2 (n = 21) patients received SRP along with systemic administration of micronutrient antioxidants. Patients in both groups were subjected to root surface debridement. Group 2 patients also received adjunctive micronutrient antioxidant supplementation. Serum and salivary superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity along with periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline and 3 months after therapy. Results: Salivary and serum SOD values significantly (P < 0.05) improved with periodontal treatment. Improvement in systemic enzymatic antioxidant status along with reduction in gingival inflammation and bleeding on probing (%) sites was significantly greater in group 2 as compared to group 1. Conclusions: Adjunctive micronutrient supplements reduce periodontal inflammation and improve the status of systemic enzymatic antioxidants in postmenopausal women.