Which component of a denture adhesive has been implicated in myeloneuropathy with prolonged excessive use?

Correct answer: C. Zinc

• A. ❌ Acrylated glycerin is a resin component with no established neurotoxicity of this kind.
• B. ❌ Copper is the element that becomes DEFICIENT. The primary excess is zinc.
• C. ✅ CORRECT — ZINC in denture adhesives, used excessively over long periods, causes hyperzincemia. Excess zinc induces intestinal metallothionein, which binds COPPER and produces a secondary copper deficiency — the actual cause of the myeloneuropathy (sensory ataxia, gait disturbance, paresthesias) and of anemia/neutropenia.
• D. ❌ Bis-GMA is a resin monomer in composites and sealants; the concern with it is estrogenicity of bisphenol-A derivatives, not neuropathy.

Note: A denture patient with unexplained numbness, poor balance and anemia — ask what adhesive they use and how much. Most manufacturers now market zinc-free formulations.