Lawsuits Claim Denture Cream Linked ToIllness (NAPSA}—Adebilitating meding bite outof the lives of many denture wearers. Thecondition is a type of nerve damagecalled neuropathy—a tingling and weakness in the arms andlegs. It may also develop into complete loss of sensation and make walking or standing nearly impossible. Recent medical studies have linked zine found in commonoverthe-counter denture creams to this devastating condition. Zinc is a mineral found in many foods, including shellfish, meat, beansandcereals. It is also sold in supplement form. It is required by the body to help woundsheal, to keep the immunesystem functioning properly and to help maintain proper sense of taste and smell. Whenused as aningredientin denture products, zine can help dentures adhereto the users’ gums. Too much zinc, however, can cause nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Chronicingestion of high doses can result in copper deficiency, which can lead to serious neurological disease. While the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowanceforzine is 11 mg for men and 8 mgfor women,denture adhesives, such as Super Poligrip and Fixodent, can contain 17-38 mg of zinc per gram of adhesive. Recently, a lawsuit wasfiled against a well-known denture ical condition is taking a devastat- @ Medical experts say a particular type of nerve damage may be caused by zinc—an ingredient often found in common over-thecounter denture adhesives. cream manufacturerclaiming that the zine in the adhesive was responsible for a 64-year-old man’s paralysis and ultimate death due to respiratory failure. According to the family’s attorney, Ed Blizzard, this may bethefirst case of “denture death”in the U.S. On February 18, GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Poligrip and Super Poligrip, announced it would remove the zinc from its denture adhesives. The law firm of Blizzard, McCarthy & Nabers recently launched a Web site—www.denture creamjustice.com—to provide information about the condition and recourse that injured consumers can pursue. To learn more, visit the Web site or call (866) 941-1947.
