Zinc helps keep dentures in place, but too much can cause crippling nerve damage

Zinc in denture creams carries major health risks

GlaxoSmithKline is taking zinc out of three Super Poligrip denture products, following hundreds of consumer reports alleging neurological damage and other problems from excessive, long-term use.

The British manufacturer said Thursday it will cease manufacturing Super Poligrip Original, Ultra Fresh and Extra Care products in the U.S. Zinc-free formulations should be available by late April, according to the company.

Zinc-based adhesives have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for two decades, and the products are safe when used as directed.

But recent studies show that excess zinc from dental adhesives can build up over a period of years, causing loss of balance, loss of sensation in the hands and feet, and leaving some patients paralyzed.

Federal health experts recommend 8 milligrams of zinc per day for women and 11 milligrams for men. The nutrient helps the body fight off illnesses, repair muscle and regenerate cells.

But too much zinc can purge the body of copper, another essential nutrient needed for normal brain and nervous system function.

A copper deficiency can cause anemia, as well as nerve damage, which can eventually lead to paralysis. Good food sources of copper include seafood, nuts, whole grains and meat.

Attorney Ed Blizzard, who represents several dozen plaintiffs, said Poligrip contains 38 milligrams of zinc per ounce.

Although one tube is meant to last 8 to 10 weeks, Blizzard says some of his patients were using a tube of Poligrip a week, giving them about 45 times the daily recommended dose of zinc.