Electronic cigarettes are still a concern for adults and teens, a different kind of nicotine product with a flavor is growing in popularity: nicotine pouches and chewable tablets.
This category called “tobacco item” (without cigarettes) is getting a lot of attention within the youth market due to the numerous selection of flavors that are suitable for youth.
However, while advertising can make it appear attractive and convenient, the reality is that the products provide varying amounts of nicotine, a chemical that is addictive.
Are nicotine pouches more secure than smoking, chewing, or vaping?
The long-term health consequences of nicotine-rich pouches are not known. While technically not classified by the term smokeless, they are not yet being regulated in the same way by the FDA.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as tobacco products that are smokeless or combustible cigarettes are within the United States. But, unfortunately, the long-term results are not yet available, so we don’t know how a reduction in exposure could reduce the risk to our health.
There are currently no regulations that hinder or limit flavored nicotine pouches or marketing restrictions. They aren’t as strict as those that apply to cigarettes that are not combustible or smokeless.
Side effects of using tobacco
- Gum irritation and mouth
- Soreness
- Nausea
- Hiccups
Most crucially, nicotine addiction increases the chance of relapse when using different tobacco-related products.
What are the nicotine pouches?
Nicotine pouches are put between the gum and lip. They don’t contain tobacco, but nicotine, flavorings, sweeteners, and plant-based fibers. With their colorful packaging, you might have seen nic pouches with no tobacco with the brand names ZERO TOBACCO, Zyn On, and Velo. Many of them look like mint-like containers.
Generally, nicotine levels differ significantly across the range of different kinds. But, the fact is that nicotine use during adolescence has been demonstrated to influence learning, attention span.
In addition, Zyn products specifically offer more than 6 milligrams of nicotine per pouch. According to the Nielsen study, Zyn nicotine pouch dollar sales in convenience stores grew by nearly 470% in the first quarter of 2020.
Research has proven that early age use of nicotine and pleasant early experiences are related to regular use. And long-term dependence on nicotine, so we should be worried about their use during adolescence.
What’s inside a Nicotine Pouch?
The primary components are nicotine, water flavorings, sweeteners, and plant-based-based fibers. The makers of nicotine pouches sell them with different strengths, meaning that certain ones contain more nicotine than others.
The absence of tobacco leaf makes them distinct compared to “smokeless” products that contain nicotine like chewing tobacco and snuff and snus.
Although it may find snus in small bags which you place into the mouth, it’s packed with finely ground, moist tobacco.
Are nicotine pouches a safe method of quitting nicotine dependence?
There isn’t any evidence that proves nicotine pouches to be an effective or safe way to stop smoking. “The FDA does not approve these products as smoking treatment or nicotine replacement medicines. Therefore, I do not recommend these products,” says Jill Sell, PA, Nebraska Medicine certified tobacco treatment specialist.
He also added, “If somebody is already using nicotine pouches but has not had success in quitting smoking and quit smoking. However, I would recommend weaning them off these products to be completely free of nicotine.”
What is the best alternative to cigarettes?
The approved alternative to cigarettes therapies is gum, nicotine patches, nasal sprays, and lozenges. They also include nicotine inhalers. “There is a lot of evidence to suggest that the most effective strategies quit smoking include cognitive behavioral therapy as well as medications,” explains Sell. “All medications come with side effects and uses; therefore, it is important to talk about this with your doctor before using.”
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.