A zinc-containing compound, Polaprezinc, is effective for patients with taste disorders: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study

Abstract

CONCLUSIONS: The effect of a zinc-containing compound, Polaprezinc, was shown to clinically improve the disease conditions of idiopathic taste disorders with no serious side effects in a well controlled double-blinded clinical study. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a zinc-containing compound in the treatment of patients with idiopathic taste disorders, including patients with low serum zinc, by a Good Clinical Practice (GCP)-compliant, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-center clinical study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A group of 109 patients suffering from taste disorders was assigned into placebo and three treatment groups. Each group of patients was given either placebo (n=28), or 17 mg (n=27), 34 mg (n=26) or 68 mg (n=28) of oral zinc, Polaprezinc preparations, daily for 12 weeks. RESULTS: The group of patients given 68 mg zinc showed a significant improvement in their gustatory sensitivity compared with the placebo group. The most common side effects observed were increase in serum triglyceride and serum alkaline phosphatase, decrease in serum iron, and some gastrointestinal incidents, although they were not serious.