Denture adhesive creams, such as Fixodent and Poligrip, are used by more than 35 million Americans each day. Recent research has shown that these adhesives contain dangerously high levels of zinc. Although zinc is a mineral required by the body in small amounts, too much of it can lead to zinc poisoning, which may cause debilitating neurological injuries, anemia, bone marrow failure, hypocupremia (reduced copper in the blood), central nervous system deficits, and spinal cord injuries.
According to a report by the National Academy of Sciences, 40 mg of zinc per day is the most that the human body can safely process. However, the recommended daily allowance is much lower: 11 mg per day for men and 8 mg per day for women. Denture adhesive creams contain between 17,000 and 34,000 micrograms per gram. That means that users of Fixodent and Super Poligrip may have been exposed to as much as 330 mg of zinc per day, making zinc toxicity likely.
Some symptoms of zinc poisoning include dizziness, low energy, paralysis, numbness, tingling in hands or feet, muscle weakness, incontinence, and unexplained aches and pains. If you or a loved one has suffered zinc poisoning or other injury while using a denture adhesive cream, contact an experienced products liability lawyer at The Law Offices of Lennon C. Wright to discuss your case. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and other losses suffered as a result of zinc poisoning.