Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning Symptoms

Zinc poisoning caused by denture cream has recently been reported by researchers studying the link between patients who are denture wearers and neurological side effects like neuropathy. Zinc toxicity can be in both acute and chronic forms. Zinc poisoning symptoms include: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting dizziness and lethargy. Excessive intake of zinc interferes with copper metabolism which can lead to copper deficiency and neurological problems.Neuropathy Zinc poisoning symptoms include:

• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Numbness, tingling and pain
• Balance problems
• “glove and stocking sensation” – feeling of wearing stockings or gloves when your hands or feet are completely bare

Zinc Poisoning Testing

Zinc poisoning can be difficult to properly diagnose or in many cases, may not be diagnosed or misdiagnosed. If you have experienced neurological symptoms your doctor can order blood or hair tests to see if you have a zinc overdose. It is important to note that people can ingest excessive amounts of zinc and suffer from neurological problems even if their current zinc levels are normal after testing. The effects of zinc poisoning can continue after your levels of zinc and copper have returned to a normal range.

Blood tests: Zinc poisoning or the testing of excessive zinc in the body can be done by a blood test to measure the level of zinc. Copper deficiency can also be detected through a blood test which measures the amount of copper in the body.

Hair analysis: If a blood test shows normal zinc levels, a hair test can show if zinc has accumulated in the body and you have elevated levels. The hair tissue is affected by genetics, hormones, blood, environment and enzymes. Typically as little as .025 grams of hair is needed to do hair analysis testing for zinc. The results are usually available within a couple of weeks.

Hypocupremia

A copper deficiency is referred to as “hypocupremia”. Copper deficiency is rare except for specific cases such as people who have the genetic disorder Menkes syndrome where the body is unable to properly absorb copper and in situations where excessive zinc interferes with copper absorption.

Hyperzincemia

Excessive amounts of zinc or zinc toxicity is referred to as “hyperzincemia”. Zinc is an essential mineral the body requires for a variety of things including immune function, normal sense of taste and smell, wound healing and DNA synthesis. However, excessive amount of zinc can be toxic and cause serious long term neurological problems.

  Tolerable Upper Intake Level for Zinc

Age	Male	Female
0 to 6 months	4mg	4mg
7 to 12 months	5 mg	5 mg
1 to 3 years	7 mg	7 mg
4 to 8 years	12 mg	12 mg
9 to 13 years	23 mg	23 mg
14 to 18 years	34 mg	34 mg
19 years and older	40 mg	40 mg

 

We represent all Denture Cream lawsuit clients on a contingency basis which means that there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. If you or a loved one has used Fixodent, Poligrip or another brand of denture cream and developed neurological problems you may suffer from zinc poisoning. For a free no-obligation consultation please fill out our short online contact form and a Denture Cream lawyer will contact you to answer any of your questions.