Researchers have reported a link between nerve damage and neurological problems such as neuropathy with zinc poisoning caused by the use of denture creams. How much zinc can a person safely ingest per day? The recommended daily allowance of zinc is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. The largest daily amount is 40 mg. Excess zinc intake interferes with the body’s metabolism of copper, which in turn can lead to a deficiency of copper and neurological problems.

Zinc poisoning can be classified as both chronic and acute. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, nausea, abdominal pain, lack of energy, dizziness, vomiting, weakness in the extremities, lethargy, numbness, and more. The cause of these symptoms can be difficult to pinpoint and is, of course, not always the result of zinc poisoning. However, if you have experienced symptoms such as these, and have been using denture creams, your physician can request a blood or hair test to determine the level of zinc in your body and make a diagnosis of zinc poisoning. In addition, copper deficiency can be determined through a blood test.

You should know that it is possible for a person to ingest too much zinc and experience neurological problems even after being given a “normal” result in a blood test. Furthermore, the physical problems associated with zinc poisoning can actually continue after the levels of copper and zinc have returned to normal.

Hyperzincemia Versus Hypocupremia

Physicians and other medical professionals use the terms hyperzincemia and hypocupremia to describe the conditions we have been referring to on this site.

Hyperzincemia is defined as an excessive amount of zinc or zinc toxicity. There is nothing wrong with zinc in and of itself. In fact, your body needs zinc for a healthy immune system, to synthesize Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), foster an accurate sense of taste and smell, heal wounds, and more. It is when you have too much zinc in your body that problems can develop.

Hypocupremia, on the other hand, refers to a deficiency of copper within the body. Copper, like zinc, is important to the normal functioning of the human body. Copper helps oxidize glucose and release energy; aids in the body’s ability to absorb another necessary element, iron; increases energy levels; aids in proper nerve and brain functioning; helps supply oxygen to the brain; and more. By lowering the levels of copper in the body, zinc poisoning negatively impacts these functions and can lead to the myriad of physical problems we have discussed.

If you believe you are suffering from zinc poisoning or copper deficiency as a result of using denture creams, fill out our case evaluation form. Or, contact our denture cream/zinc poisoning attorneys directly for assistance.