We’ve long been reporting on the problems linked to zinc-containing denture creams like Poligrip, as well as Fixodent. The human body does need zinc – but only in small amounts. Studies show that consuming at least 50 milligrams of zinc a day for a few months could lead to copper deficiency, which can cause anemia, bone loss, nerve damage and other problems. Ingesting 80 or 100 milligrams or more for months or even years can lead to irreversible damage.
In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal “Neurology” reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. Normal blood levels of copper range from 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms per milliliter (mL), but levels for the patients in the report ranged from less than 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms per mL. The top normal number for zinc blood levels is 1.10 micrograms per mL, but patients had levels ranging from 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL. The article specifically linked excess zinc in denture cream to “profound neurologic disease” in the patients reviewed.
According to his family's lawsuit, Rodney Urbanek had been using Poligrip for 14 years. While he was healthy in 2007, a short 14 months later Urbanek was paralyzed below the waist, confined to a wheelchair and unable to lift his arms. He died not long after, and his family claims the cause was a toxic level of zinc in his system, brought on by Poligrip.
Scores of people from across the country have also filed lawsuits alleging zinc poisoning from products like Poligrip and Fixodent. Denture cream lawsuits claim that the manufacturers of these products failed to warn about their risks and failed to provide adequate warnings about the zinc in their products, or adequate instructions to prevent deviation from accepted use.
Last fall, the many denture cream lawsuits pending in federal courts were consolidated for centralized and coordinated pre-trial proceedings in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, before the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga (MDL No. 2051).
We've long been reporting on the problems linked to zinc-containing denture creams like Poligrip, as well as Fixodent. The human body does need zinc – but only in small amounts. Studies show that consuming at least 50 milligrams of zinc a day for a few months could lead to copper deficiency, which can cause anemia, bone loss, nerve damage and other problems. Ingesting 80 or 100 milligrams or more for months or even years can lead to irreversible damage.
In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal “Neurology” reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. Normal blood levels of copper range from 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms per milliliter (mL), but levels for the patients in the report ranged from less than 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms per mL. The top normal number for zinc blood levels is 1.10 micrograms per mL, but patients had levels ranging from 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL. The article specifically linked excess zinc in Super Poligrip to “profound neurologic disease” in the patients reviewed.
Recently, GlaxoSmithKline began including an insert in packages of Super Poligrip informing users that the popular denture cream contains zinc, and warning that using excessive amounts may cause health problems. The insert also includes directions for using Super Poligrip, as well as diagrams and an illustration of the “proper” amount that should be used. The directions tell users that Super Poligrip should only be used once a day, and that a tube of Super Poligrip should last several weeks, depending on size. Finally, it reassures users that swallowing small amounts of Super Poligrip can occur, and is not harmful.
Unfortunately, the new warning came too late for Howell. He told STLToday.com that the zinc poisoning allegedly caused by Poligrip has caused his legs to suddenly buckle beneath him. Howell said that his disability has caused him to fall down on several occasions, and he has broken a rib an ankle, and cracked his wrist.
Howell first developed symptoms of zinc poisoning in 2004, when he had been using Poligrip for 15 years, and got a neuropathy diagnosis last year. He did not know what was causing the disease until last year, when he had his blood tested and found out that his zinc and copper levels were out of whack. Even after treatment, he suffers from numbness, weakness and pain in his legs. Howell eventually lost his job as a mechanic and had to go on disability. He now requires the use of a walker.
Scores of people from across the country have already filed lawsuits alleging zinc poisoning from products like Poligrip and Fixodent. Denture cream lawsuits claim that the manufacturers of these products failed to warn about their risks and failed to provide adequate warnings about the zinc in their products, or adequate instructions to prevent deviation from accepted use.
Last fall, the many denture cream lawsuits pending in federal courts were consolidated for centralized and coordinated pre-trial proceedings in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, before the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga (MDL No. 2051).
The human body does need zinc - but only in small amounts. The recommended daily intake is 11 milligrams for men and 8 milligrams for women. According to the Los Angeles Times, most people in the U.S. can meet these daily requirements through a normal diet. For example, there can be as much as 15 milligrams of zinc in a cup of some fortified cereals, and the same amount in many multivitamins.
Studies show that consuming at least 50 milligrams of zinc a day for a few months could lead to copper deficiency, which can cause anemia, bone loss, nerve damage and other problems. According to the Times, taking in 80 or 100 milligrams or more for months or even years can lead to irreversible damage.
Most denture creams, including Super Poligrip and Fixodent, contain zinc as a bonding agent. Denture cream lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of these products failed to warn about their risks and failed to provide adequate warnings about the zinc in their products, or adequate instructions to prevent deviation from accepted use. Earlier this year, the many denture cream lawsuits pending in federal courts were consolidated for centralized and coordinated pre-trial proceedings in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, before the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga (MDL No. 2051).
Recently, GlaxoSmithKline began including an insert in packages of Super Poligrip informing users that the popular denture cream contains zinc, and warning that using excessive amounts may cause health problems. The insert also cautions users to talk with their doctor if they use zinc supplements. It warns that using excessive amounts of the adhesive over a long-period of time could result in “serious health effects”.
The insert also includes directions for using Super PoliGrip, as well as diagrams and an illustration of the “proper” amount that should be used. The directions tell users that Super PoliGrip should only be used once a day, and that a tube of Super PoliGrip should last several weeks, depending on size. Finally, it reassures users that swallowing small amounts of Super PoliGrip can occur, and is not harmful.
A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, exposure to too much zinc can lead to copper depletion. Copper deficiency can lead to symptoms like weakness and numbness in arms and legs; difficulty walking and loss of balance; and even cognitive or memory impairment.
Most denture creams, including Poligrip and Fixodent, contain zinc as a bonding agent. Denture cream lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of these products failed to warn about their risks and failed to provide adequate warnings about the zinc in their products, or adequate instructions to prevent deviation from accepted use. Earlier this year, the many denture cream lawsuits pending in federal courts were consolidated for centralized and coordinated pre-trial proceedings in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, before the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga (MDL No. 2051).
According to an article in the Denver Post, Rae Ann Schmaltz was only in her 40s when she began losing function in her legs. She underwent numerous medical tests, including spinal taps, but doctors were unable to determine what was causing her neurological problems. It wasn't until 2006, when her daughter found an article detailing three similar cases on the Web site Medscape. All three of the patients detailed in the article wore dentures and used adhesives that contained high levels of zinc. Two of them regained partial use of their limbs after ceasing use of the denture adhesives, according to the Post.
After learning of the article from her daughter, Schmaltz checked the package of Poligrip she was using, but could find no health warnings, or even a list of ingredients. According to the Denver Post, Schmaltz and her daughter next placed a call to the GlaxoSmithKline division that makes Poligrip, and asked for an ingredients list. But they were told that the list was proprietary.
Schmaltz filed her denture cream lawsuit in January 2008. Hers is one of dozens facing the makers of Poligrip and Fixodent.
Recently, GlaxoSmithKline began including an insert in packages of Super Poligrip informing users that the popular denture cream contains zinc, and warning that using excessive amounts may cause health problems. The insert also cautions users to talk with their doctor if they use zinc supplements. It warns that using excessive amounts of the adhesive over a long-period of time could result in “serious health effects”.
The insert also includes directions for using Super PoliGrip, as well as diagrams and an illustration of the “proper” amount that should be used. The directions tell users that Super PoliGrip should only be used once a day, and that a tube of Super PoliGrip should last several weeks, depending on size. Finally, it reassure s users that swallowing small amounts of Super PoliGrip can occur, and is not harmful.
Unfortunately for Rae Ann Schmaltz, and scores of others like her, the new information in the Super PoliGrip label may have come too late.
Super PoliGrip, Fixodent and other denture creams are made with zinc. A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, being exposed to an excessive amount of zinc can result in copper depletion and serious negative adverse neurological effects.
The11 patients detailed in the "NeuroToxicology" article all had suffered from significant injuries and neurological disorders for a period of years. The study authors discovered that all 11 patients had used a zinc-containing denture cream, such as Fixodent or Super PoliGrip, to keep their dentures in place. Blood test confirmed that each suffered from zinc poisoning and copper deficiency.
After the 11 patients stopped using denture creams, their zinc and copper levels normalized. This led the study authors to conclude that: "Inappropriate use of denture cream appears to be the sole source of excessive zinc in these patient." Sadly, even after they stopped using denture cream, the neurological condition of the 11 patients did not improve, and was seemingly irreversible.
This "NeuroToxicology" study is not the first to point to a link between products like Super PoliGrip and Fixodent, and neurological disorders. In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal “Neurology” reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. All of the patients had been using excessive amounts of denture cream for many years. It was determined that excess use of denture cream could have been responsible for their symptoms.
Over the past year or so, hundreds of victims of zinc-containing denture creams have filed suit against the makers of Super PoliGrip and Fixodent. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of these products failed to warn about their risks and failed to provide adequate warnings about the zinc in their products, or adequate instructions to prevent deviation from accepted use. Earlier this year, Super PoliGrip and Fixodent lawsuits were consolidated for centralized and coordinated pre-trial proceedings in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, before the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga (MDL No. 2051).
Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against the makers of Super PoliGrip and other zinc-containing denture creams by people who claim they sustained neurological injuries from the products. A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, being exposed to an excessive amount of zinc can result in copper depletion - a condition known as hypocupremia - and serious negative adverse neurological effects.
In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal "Neurology" reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. Normal blood levels of copper range from 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms per milliliter (mL), but levels for the patients in the report ranged from less than 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms per mL. The top normal number for zinc blood levels is 1.10 micrograms per mL, but patients had levels ranging from 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL. The article specifically linked excess zinc in Super PoliGrip to "profound neurologic disease" in the patients reviewed.
Until now, the packaging of Super PoliGrip made no mention of the zinc contained in the product, or the potential health problems associated with it. The new insert in Super PoliGrip packages now advises that the product contains zinc, and cautions users to talk with their doctor if they use zinc supplements. It warns that using excessive amounts of the adhesive over a long-period of time could result in "serious health effects".
The insert also includes directions for using Super PoliGrip, as well as diagrams and an illustration of the "proper" amount that should be used. The directions tell users that Super PoliGrip should only be used once a day, and that a tube of Super PoliGrip should last several weeks, depending on size. The insert also reassures users that swallowing small amounts of Super PoliGrip can occur, and is not harmful.
Denture cream lawsuits claim the manufacturers Super PoliGrip and similar products did not adequately warn users about the risks posed by zinc in the products. About 30 such lawsuits have been consolidated for centralized and coordinated pre-trial proceedings in the Denture Cream Products Liability Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division, before the Honorable Judge Cecilia Altonaga (MDL No. 2051).
Denture creams like Fixodent and Poligrip contain zinc as a bonding agent. People who ingest too much zinc run the risk of copper depletion. That condition can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness and tingling in hands and feet, balance and coordination problems, and pain and weakness in the extremities. When it is really severe, the nerve damage caused by denture cream zinc poisoning can eventually lead to neuropathy, a debilitating disorder.
Currently, 25 denture cream poisoning lawsuits are pending in U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida. The lawsuits allege that the zinc in products like Poligrip and Fixodent caused plaintiffs to suffer a serious copper deficiency which in turn led to neurological problems. The lawsuits also claim that the makers of these products did not provide adequate warnings about their potential dangers and that no corrective steps were taken. It is likely that more denture cream lawsuits will be filed in the coming weeks and months.
About 35 million Americans wear dentures. Unfortunately, most don't realize that using too much denture cream can be dangerous. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not require denture adhesive cream manufacturers to include warnings about the problem on their labels. In fact, the FDA does not even require that denture cream labels list ingredients.
In 2008, the journal Neurology published a study that found a link between zinc-containing denture creams and neuropathy. The study involved four patients who, according to researchers at the University of Texas, used an average of two tubes of denture adhesive every week. Normal blood levels of copper range from 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms per milliliter (mL), but levels for the patients in the report ranged from less than 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms per mL. The top normal number for zinc blood levels is 1.10 micrograms per mL, but patients had levels ranging from 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL.
Unfortunately, the damage the patients suffered was not easily reversed. To treat symptoms, one patient took copper supplements but didn’t stop using denture cream. His copper levels improved, but his zinc levels remained too high and he showed no improvement in his neurological symptoms. A second patient, who took copper supplements and stopped using denture cream showed improvement in copper and zinc levels, but no improvement in neurological symptoms.
Another patient’s neurological symptoms included weakness in the hands and poor balance, while another had weakness in her arms and legs that made her wheelchair dependent, along with cognitive decline and urinary incontinence. These patients showed “mild neurologic improvement” after they quit using denture cream and began taking copper supplements.
It is vital that anyone who uses zinc denture creams like Poligrip or Fixodent be aware of the dangers posed by these products. Often the symptoms of denture cream zinc poisoning mimic other neurological diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis. Denture cream users who experience numbness and tingling in their arms and legs, balance and movement problems, or any other neurological symptoms should ask their doctor to run blood tests to determine zinc an copper levels in order e to rule out or confirm denture cream poisoning.
A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, exposure to too much zinc can lead to copper depletion. When this is severe, neurological problems can result, as was seen in a 2008 study that appeared in the journal, “Neurology.” The article reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. It was determined that excess use of denture cream could have been responsible for their symptoms.
According to the account in The New York Times, excess use of denture cream caused a 64-year-old woman to experience problems with movement and balance. In addition, her feet were numb, and she had lost the ability to feel hot, cold or a light touch from her knees to her feet. The cause of her condition was a mystery until her doctor realized she was using large amounts of denture cream.
The patient was put through a raft of diagnostic tests, including an MRI. Cancer, a B12 deficiency, and even West Nile virus were ruled out as possible causes. But according to The New York Times, blood tests for these conditions yielded an important clue: Levels of copper and zinc in the woman's blood were seriously off. In fact, she had almost no copper, and zinc was at twice the normal level.
The patient's doctor surmised that her copper deficiency - especially considering its severity - was at the root of her neurological symptoms. He also realized the excess zinc in her blood was responsible for the deficiency. Finally, upon interviewing the woman, he learned that she regularly used large amounts of zinc-containing denture cream to keep loose fitting dentures in place. In fact, according to the Times, for years, the patient routinely used an entire tube every day or so.
Once the cause of her problem was determined, the patient switched to a cream that did not contain zinc. According to the Times, a year later the patient is feeling better, but is undergoing physical therapy because she still has difficulty walking.
This article illustrates just how difficult it can be to diagnose denture cream zinc poisoning. In this case, the patient's doctor didn't even know about the ailment until he encountered it for the first time with this victim. For this reason, anyone who uses denture cream and suffers from neurological problems should ask their doctor to order blood tests to determine if their zinc and copper levels are abnormal.
It is also important to be aware of the symptoms of denture cream zinc poisoning. They include:
* numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms;
* a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands;
* unexplained pain in the extremities;
* a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance;
* change or decrease in walking stride;
* abnormal blood pressure and heart rate;
* reduced ability to perspire;
* constipation and/or bladder dysfunction;
* sexual dysfunction.
A small amount of zinc is necessary for a balanced diet. However, exposure to too much zinc can lead to copper depletion. When this is severe, neurological problems can result. In August 2008, the peer reviewed journal, “Neurology” reported on four patients suffering from neuropathy and other neurological symptoms typical of zinc poisoning and copper depletion. It was determined that excess use of denture cream could have been responsible for their symptoms.
The symptoms of denture cream zinc poisoning include:
• numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms;
• a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands;
• unexplained pain in the extremities;
• a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance;
• change or decrease in walking stride;
• abnormal blood pressure and heart rate;
• reduced ability to perspire;
• constipation and/or bladder dysfunction;
• sexual dysfunction.
If you use denture cream, and suffer any of these problems, it is important that you undergo blood tests to determine zinc and copper levels. This especially important because denture cream zinc poisoning can mimic many other disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis, and is often misdiagnosed.
Several lawsuits have been filed against the makers of Poligrip and Fixodent by people who claim to have been sickened by the zinc in these products, and it is expected that many more will be filed in the coming months. Earlier this summer, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued a transfer order consolidating all such federal lawsuits in the Southern District of Florida.
Denture cream lawsuits against the makers of Poligrip and Fixodent Shanghaied movie download have been consolidated in a Multidistrict Litigation, and transferred to the Southern District of Florida. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits all allege that zinc in Poligrip and Fixodent caused them to suffer a variety of neurological problems.
As we've been reporting for some time, evidence supporting the link between zinc-containing denture creams and neurological problems has been building. For instance, a 2008 study published in the journal Neurology found that four neuropathy patients who had used excessive amounts of denture cream had extremely high levels of zinc in their blood. Their use of denture cream was the only thing the patients had in common, besides their neuropathy. The researchers from the University of Texas who conducted the study concluded that the use of denture cream was the only “plausible explanation” for the patients’ high zinc levels and copper deficiencies.
Symptoms of zinc denture cream poisoning include:
• numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms;
Slip psp Keep Your Distance movie• a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands;
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• unexplained pain in the extremities;
• a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance;
• change or decrease in walking stride;
• abnormal blood pressure and heart rate;
• reduced ability to perspire;
• constipation and/or bladder dysfunction;
• sexual dysfunction.
Journal of a Contract Killer full So far, GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Poligrip, has been named in 10 denture cream zinc poisoning lawsuits. Proctor & Gamble, the maker of Fixodent, has been named in two. But it is likely that many more will be filed in the coming months. Earlier this month, we reported that one law firm, Morgan & Morgan, had told the National Law Journal that it was in the process of evaluating about 3,000 such cases and is nearly ready to file about 40 others. It has partnered with two other firms, including New York-based Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, that together also have about 75 denture cream lawsuits ready to go.
On May 28, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in Louisville, Kentucky held hearings about possibly consolidating all federal lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor & Gamble in a single jurisdiction. In a transfer order issued last week, the Panel ruled that centralization of the cases in an MDL was appropriate due to the common questions of fact involved in the various cases. As a result, all Poligrip and Fixodent lawsuits currently pending in federal court, as well any new cases filed, will be transferred to District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga in the Southern District of Florida.
The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation of the United States Courts was created in 1968. Since then, it has consolidated hundreds of thousands of lawsuits that involved high numbers of plaintiffs, including litigation over asbestos, breast implants and other matters. A multidistrict litigation (MDL) allows all cases to be coordinated under one judge for pretrial litigation to avoid duplicative discovery, inconsistent rulings and to conserve the resources of the parties, witnesses and the court. When lawsuits are consolidated as an MDL each retains its own identity. If the MDL process does not resolve the cases, they are transferred back to the court where they originated for trial.
Poligrip and Fixodent denture creams have been named in a number of lawsuit filed in federal courts around the country that allege exposure to zinc in the products caused users to suffer from neuropathy and other neurological problems. According to the National Law Journal, the lawsuits name GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Poligrip, and Proctor and Gamble, the maker of Fixodent, as defendants.
I Can Do Bad All by MyselfThe plaintiffs in the lawsuits contend that the zinc in denture cream can cause copper deficiency, and that in turn can lead to severe neurological problems. As we've reported previously, a 2008 study published in the journal Neurology found that four neuropathy patients who had used excessive amounts of denture cream had extremely high levels of zinc in their blood. Their use of denture cream was the only thing the patients had in common, besides their neuropathy. The researchers from the University of Texas who conducted the study concluded that the use of denture cream was the only “plausible explanation” for the patients' high zinc levels and copper deficiencies.
Symptoms of zinc denture cream poisoning include:
• numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms;
• a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands;
• unexplained pain in the extremities;
• a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance;
• change or decrease in walking stride;
• abnormal blood pressure and heart rate;
• reduced ability to perspire;
• constipation and/or bladder dysfunction;
• sexual dysfunction.
Most of the more than 35 million Americans who wear dentures have no idea that denture adhesives can be dangerous. Because denture creams like Fixodent and Poligrip are considered to be a Class I medical device, the Food & Drug Administration
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According to the National Law Journal, a dozen denture cream lawsuits are now pending in federal courts in California, Colorado, Florida, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, and others are on the way. One law firm, Morgan & Morgan, told the Journal that it is in the process of evaluating about 3,000 such cases and is nearly ready to file about 40. It has partnered with two other firms, including New York-based Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, that together have about 75 denture cream lawsuits ready to go, the National Law Journal said.
On May 28, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in Louisville, Kentucky held hearings about possibly consolidating all federal lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline and Proctor & Gamble in a single jurisdiction.
Often, the symptoms of zinc poisoning caused by denture creams like Super Poligrip and Fixodent mimic other disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. It is important that anyone who uses these denture creams and experiences neurological problems have a blood test to determine if they are suffering from zinc poisoning and copper depletion.
Neuropathy is by far the most serious health problem linked to Fixodent and Super Poligrip. Neuropathy is a disorder caused by damaged nerves. Neuropathy is often a consequence of diabetes or poor nutrition. It can also be a reaction to a toxin, or a side effect of certain drugs, such as chemotherapy agents. Neuropathy can leave victims permanently disabled and reliant upon a walker or wheelchair.
Symptoms of neuropathy vary, but may include:
• numbness or tingling in the feet, legs, hands, and/or arms;
• a reduction in strength or ability to move legs or feet, or arms and hands;
• unexplained pain in the extremities;
• a tendency to stumble or fall down; instability and lack of balance;
• change or decrease in walking stride;
• abnormal blood pressure and heart rate;
• reduced ability to perspire;
• constipation and/or bladder dysfunction;
• sexual dysfunction.
Most of the more than 35 million Americans who wear dentures have no idea that denture adhesives can be dangerous. Because denture creams like Fixodent and Super Poligrip are considered to be a Class I medical device, the Food & Drug Administration does not require their labels to warn that excessive use may lead to zinc poisoning and neurological problems.
The problems caused by Super Poligrip and Fixodent have resulted in lawsuits against their manufacturers. For example, two such class action lawsuits were recently filed in federal court in Tennessee. The lawsuits are seeking compensation from the makers of Super Poligrip and Fixodent for testing, medical monitoring and treatment for zinc poisoning which may develop in consumers who have used these products.
As we've reported previously, zinc is an important nutrient. But exposure to excessive amounts can lead to copper deficiency, which in turn can cause serious neurological problems.
That's apparently what happened to four neuropathy patients detailed in the 2008 Neurology article. According to researchers at the University of Texas, all four used an average of two tubes of denture adhesive every week. Normal blood levels of copper range from 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms per milliliter (mL), but levels for the patients in the report ranged from less than 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms per mL. The top normal number for zinc blood levels is 1.10 micrograms per mL, but patients had levels ranging from 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL.
Unfortunately, the damage the patients suffered was not easily reversed. To treat symptoms, one patient took copper supplements but didn't stop using denture cream. His copper levels improved, but his zinc levels remained too high and he showed no improvement in his neurological symptoms. A second patient, who took copper supplements and stopped using denture cream showed improvement in copper and zinc levels, but no improvement in neurological symptoms.
Another patient's neurological symptoms included weakness in the hands and poor balance, while another had weakness in her arms and legs that made her wheelchair dependent, along with cognitive decline and urinary incontinence. These patients showed "mild neurologic improvement" after they quit using denture cream and began taking copper supplements.
People who use denture creams like Super Poligrip need to know the symptoms of denture cream zinc poisoning. They include:
• tingling or numbness in the extremities
• loss of ability to move legs, feet, arms, or hands
• poor balance
• decrease in walking stride
• abnormal blood pressure and heart rate
• reduced ability to perspire
• constipation and bladder dysfunction.
Denture wearers experiencing these symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible. Because symptoms of denture cream zinc poisoning can mimic other disorders, like multiple sclerosis, a physician should order a blood test to determine if levels of zinc and copper are abnormal.
In an article that appeared in the August issue of "Neurology", the University of Texas research team reported on four patients who used excessive amounts of denture cream on a daily basis. The article noted that one tube of denture cream should last 3 to 10 weeks, but patients in the report were all using at least two tubes a week. Three had also lost their teeth at a relatively young age, meaning they had been used "extremely large amounts of denture adhesive daily for years."
Denture cream contains zinc, which in excess, can deplete copper and lead to serious neurological problems. The researchers tested the denture creams the four patients used, and found zinc concentrations between 17,000 and 34,000 micrograms per gram. Based on the patients' denture cream use, the researchers estimated that they were exposed to at least 330 mg of zinc daily, far more than the recommended daily allowance of 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. The National Academy of Sciences stated in 2001 that the largest daily tolerable zinc intake is 40 mg.
According to the University of Texas researchers, all of the patients had abnormally high levels of zinc in their blood, accompanied by abnormally low levels of copper. Normal blood levels of copper range from 0.75 to 1.45 micrograms per milliliter (mL), but levels for the patients in the report ranged from less than 0.1 to 0.23 micrograms per mL. The top normal number for zinc blood levels is 1.10 micrograms per mL, but patients had levels ranging from 1.36 to 4.28 micrograms per mL.
One patient's neurological symptoms included weakness in the hands and poor balance, while another had weakness in her arms and legs that made her wheelchair dependent, along with cognitive decline and urinary incontinence. These patients showed "mild neurologic improvement" after they quit using denture cream and began taking copper supplements.
Another patient took copper supplements but didn't stop using denture cream. His copper levels improved, but his zinc levels remained too high and he showed no improvement in his neurological symptoms. The fourth patient, who took copper supplements and stopped using denture cream, showed improvement in copper and zinc levels, but no improvement in neurological symptoms.