The popular denture cream brand fixodent has a pending class action lawsuit pertaining to the high levels of zinc found in their product. A class action lawsuit was filed against the company due to malice, gross negligence and intentional misrepresentation of the product. The consumers believe that the company has misrepresented the product in their marketing activities and is suing due to the "Deceptive Trade Practices Act".Many of the consumers are filing for damages, loss of wages, medical bills, expenses, pain & suffering, and medical monitoring.

Both Fixodent & Poligrip have been found to be linked to neurological damages due to Heavy metal poisoning [zinc]. The fixodent lawsuit has grown due to continued complaints of raised levels of zinc, symptoms include the following:

Balance Problems

Loss of sensation

Slowing of stride when walking

Numbness

Tingling [arms & legs]

While many of these symptoms resemble other conditions many times zinc poisoning or overdose is over looked. While a simple blood test can detect this it is not caught. Zinc poisoning can cause many conditions such as:

Hemolytic Anemia

Zinc Shakes [Zinc Chills]

Liver Damage

Kidney Damage

Zinc poisoning can lead to very serious illness including death. The excessive intake of zinc can lead to decreased copper levels causing more symptoms in the body. Decreased copper levels can lead to conditions such as reduced thyroid function, reduced red blood cell function, cardiovascular disease, and even slowed healing and reduced improvement of infections. There are several symptoms of copper deficiency including:

Symptoms of Copper Deficiency:

Fatigue

Hair loss

Skin sores

Slowed growth

Diarrhea

Paleness

High levels of zinc cause a depletion of copper in the body. According to the Departments of Neurology and Clinical Sciences zinc poisoning also causes a serious medical condition called neuropathy often found in diabetics neuropathy can cause loss of feeling in extremities, issues with balance and unexplained pain. The recommended amount of zinc intake daily is between 11mg and 15 mg. This is often acquired in the foods we eat daily. However the highest level of zinc tolerated in a human has been recorded at 40mg. The denture creams poligrip and fixodent have been known to have well over the recommended daily limit causing many complications in prolonged daily exposure.

The class action lawsuit is continuing to add additional complainants to their case. Reviewing the symptoms and finding out your levels of zinc and copper should be a priority if you have experienced any of the above symptoms. There are treatments for zinc poisoning and copper deficiency but early detection and definite discontinuation of the products containing the high levels of zinc should be the first priority. Researching all products you consume on a regular basis by checking federal guidelines, and product evaluations should be another priority on your to do list.

Treatments for Zinc Poisoning-

There are treatments for those with zinc poisoning. Contacting the poison control center should always be the first step when it comes to treating an overdose or poisoning. If the products you use daily have large amounts of zinc in them [ie toothpastes, or denture adhesives] and you have symptoms of zinc poisoning calling and asking questions is a good idea. Below is a list of what to expect when being treated for zinc poisoning.

Monitoring of vital signs [ at local hospital]

Fluids [Water & Milk]

Given medications to reverse the side effects of zinc poisoning

The overall result of the treatments for zinc poisoning is determined by the amount of zinc consumed and how soon the patient has come in. Early detection of zinc poisoning will result in the best result.