In light of lawsuits in which denture users claim they've been harmed by the zinc in their denture adhesive, GlaxoSmithKline has pledged to remove the mineral from its Poligrip products, even as the company maintains that they are safe when used as directed. Procter & Gamble, maker of Poligrip's major rival, Fixodent, says no changes are planned for its product, which it says contains much less zinc than Glaxo's does. Zinc is used to help strengthen the bond between dentures and gums. But many people have claimed that they've suffered neurological damage leading to numbness, partial paralysis and, in one case, death, as a result of using denture adhesives. Dietary zinc _ prime sources include meat, poultry, beans, nuts and oysters _ is good for people, to a point. It bolsters the immune system and promotes wound healing, among other benefits. But too much zinc has long been known to cause neurological problems. Researchers reporting in the journal Annals of Neurology in 2008 found a link between the zinc in denture creams and serious neurologic disease in cases of 'chronic excessive use' of those creams. According to the American Dental Association, well-fitted dentures should need just a tad, if any, adhesive to keep them in place. If you find you need more, have your dentures adjusted or replaced. Adapted from The Post' s daily health blog. 