FDA Should Warn About Zinc Poisoning From Denture Creams
April 6, 2009
Zinc is a necessary mineral in moderate amounts, but many denture cream products, such as Poligrip and Fixodent, contain zinc that, in excess, can lead to serious zinc poisoning side effects, including neurological disorders.
The Neurology journal has reported on several denture cream users who have suffered from neuropathy and similar neurological problems related to zinc poisoning and copper depletion, possibly as a result of their use of denture creams. These patients were exposed to dangerous levels of zinc, sometimes hundreds of times greater than the recommended daily allowance.
The FDA currently does not require denture cream manufacturers or marketers to label their products with information about the possible side effects related to zinc poisoning. Side effects of zinc poisoning include: pain in the fingers and toes, loss of balance, loss of strength in arms and legs, and numbness / tingling in arms and hands. Some patients suffering from zinc poisoning have been confined to wheelchairs.
Should the FDA require denture cream brands like Fixodent and Poligrip to disclose the possible risks of building up toxic levels of zinc? How are denture cream users to know that they should have their zinc levels checked by a doctor if they are not made aware of this issue?
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7 Responses to “FDA Should Warn About Zinc Poisoning From Denture Creams”
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Could you please recommend a denture cream that does NOT contain zinc?
Could you please respond as soon as possible, I am very concerned for my elderly family members that use these products.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Norina C
does the powder fixodent cause the same problems, and what brand can i use that will not cause these problems,
My husband uses the fixodent powder for his top half of his dentures,what can he use for the bottom half of his dentures.because he did use the fixodent cream, as of now he won’t, since we found out there is a warnning on this product..So what should we use. Please let me know ASAP.
THANK YOU
Barbara C.
Does the fixodent powder have the same high levels of zinc that the cream does. I have most of the the side effects. I have unusual fatigue along with it. I will discontinue the use of this product,untill I hear if it is ok.
[...] Another thing I found interesting was the rise in use of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) for acne, scarring, wrinkles, yet it causes doubling of UV-induced skin damage and potential higher risk for skin cancer. These acids were found in 1 out of 17 products the EWG analyzed and 10% of those were moisturizers with 6% sunscreen, the irony is the FDA and/or manufacturer has no warning label regulation considering some of these products containing the dangerous BHA and AHA acids are designed specifically for use in the sun. So you are adding a product to your skin thinking you are getting some protection yet you are actually adding to the risk for skin cancer (EWG/Connealy 2006). Sunscreens contain zinc (one of the main active ingredients) and has been shown just recently that concentrations of zinc in the body will cause neurological problems. This link has come to light with denture creams and possible overuse, causing neurological problems in people that were using them; so following this revelation I began to think about using a shot glass full of sunscreen (as we’re told we should, reapply at least every 2 hours) and then going in the sun while letting the sun bake this into the skin thus into the bloodstream which could eventually show up as health problems, something to consider. (http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/04/fda-should-warn-about-zinc-poisoning-from-denture-creams.html) [...]
[...] Cream: Poligrip, Fixodent, and other denture creams contain zinc. We need some zinc for good health, but too much zinc can cause zinc poisoning leading [...]
My father is 84 years of age and has had Alzheimers for 5 years now. He also used Poly Grip for many years. I was suspicious and questionned what was in this product not long ago. Could it have something to do with my father’s illness? He did not smoke, did not drink, ate very well and walked 5 miles a day. He was strong and alert. He did everything specialist say to do to avoid maybe getting Alzheimers. He is now in a wheelchair and living in his own little world which is very devastating to the family. If Poly Grip causes neurological problems, could it also be causing brain damage because of a surplus of zinc?
There are too many people getting Alzheimers. 1 in 5… This is overwhelming. Researchers have to look outside of the box and do more studies that involve products that we are ingesting. My father will never be the same man. I miss him very much.