by Eugene Jacquescoley DO PhD

Created on: March 06, 2009

Zinc is an essential element for a healthy body. Zinc is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism (National Institute of Health). According to Food and Nutrition Board, zinc is also essential in for proper taste and smell. The recommended daily allowance for adult males is 11mg and 8mg for female adults. Adults are above the age 19 y.o. According to the Academy of Sciences, 40mg of zinc is what the average adult may tolerate on a daily basis.

Denture adhesive is utilized to secure dentures in the mouth. It also provides a barrier that prevents food from entering the area between the dentures and the gums/roof of the mouth (http://www.poligrip.com/faqs. Incidentally, denture adhesives are classified by the Food and Drug Administration as medical devices under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Moreover, the FDA has also classified this product as a low-risk device (Class I). "Class I devices are subject to the least regulatory control. They present minimal potential for harm to the user and are often simpler in design than Class II or Class III devices. Class I devices are subject to "General Controls" as are Class II and Class III devices (FDA)."

Several studies have attempted to observe the association of excessive absorption of zinc to the suppression of copper and iron absorption. The suppression of these of vital elements and the correlation to neurological disorders for the 35 million denture users in the US, has stirred relevant debate over the past five years. According to recent lawsuits, claims have been made that Poligrip and Fixodent may have been linked to zinc poisoning and neuropathy. Case studies of four denture wearing patients that utilized denture adhesives at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas (UTSMC) revealed that zinc concentrations ranged from 17, 000 micrograms to 34,000 micrograms. 1/1000 of a milligram denotes the smallest unit in the metric system. So caution must be advised when interpreting this result.

Neurologists and molecular biologists have also duly noted that there must balance between zinc and copper in the body. Considering that both trace elements are crucial in neurological health. According to the case studies at UTSMC, the zinc concentrations found in their four denture-wearing patients may have been correlated to a number of neurological symptoms, which comprise: weakness in hands, cognitive decline, and poor balance.

Before claims are validated, attorneys and other medical specialists should

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