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If you’re trying to stop smokingyou may have heard nicotine Patches or gum to help reduce cravings. But how about? nicotine pouchSmall, tobacco-free pouches containing a powder made of nicotine, flavorings, and other additives, nicotine patches are placed between the upper lip and gum to release a nicotine buzz without harming the lungs.
Nicotine pouches were first introduced in the UK market in 2019. Common brands in the UK include ZYN, Velo and Nordic Spirit. Nicotine pouches are similar to snus – loose tobacco in a pouch that is used in the same way as nicotine pouches. Although snus has been used in Scandinavia for many years, it was banned in the UK in 1992. Today’s generation of nicotine pouches are marketed as a way to get the benefits of nicotine without the harmful effects of cigarettes or vapes.
So, are they a helpful tool for those trying to quit this habit?
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is available to buy over-the-counter in the UK. Common brands include Nicorette and Nikitin. NRT comes in various forms such as patches, lozenges, and chewing gum. Nicotine pouches are not approved for use as NRTs – so why are they becoming a popular alternative to smoking and vaping,
The sachets are heavily marketed on social media and unlike NRT, they are readily available in supermarkets and shops for less than £5 per box. Social media influencers are sponsored to promote nicotine pouches as “clean”, discreet and convenient. They come in a wide range of flavors, from cinnamon to citrus, which appeal to young consumers.
Recent research found that approximately 1 percent of adults and 1.2 percent of youth aged 11–18 reported currently using nicotine pouches. However, more than 5 percent of adults and more than 3 percent of youth said they had used these pouches at some point. Although these are relatively small figures, the data shows that nicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular in the UK and US.
Unlike NRT, nicotine pouches are classified as consumer products, so they are not regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Since they do not contain tobacco, nicotine pouches are also not regulated by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations. This means that there is no age restriction to buy them.
Instead, nicotine pouches are governed by general product safety regulations, meaning they are not as strictly regulated as NRTs. Companies producing NRTs must apply for a marketing license because medicinal products must undergo extensive testing to show that they are safe and effective. This is not the case with nicotine pouches.
Nicotine acts on receptors in the brain, releasing chemical messengers including the “happy hormone” dopamine. These chemical messengers are responsible for the pleasurable feelings and addictive behavior that people often experience when using tobacco or nicotine products. The faster the drug is absorbed and activates brain receptors, the greater the potential for addiction.
About the author
Deepa Kamdar is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University.
This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons license. read the Original article.
Research shows that nicotine is released more slowly from pouches than from cigarettes, so it may be less addictive than cigarettes. However, the amount of nicotine in pouches can also vary – evidence suggests that some contain very high levels, even higher than cigarettes and NRTs.
Sachets may be marketed as a “clean” form of nicotine consumption – but, although they are smoke-free, they may contain other chemical ingredients, such as pH adjusters such as sodium carbonate, which allow nicotine to be more easily absorbed in the mouth. The pouches do not contain tobacco, which contains many chemicals and cancer-causing agents. However, nicotine by itself can still be harmful.
Common side effects of using nicotine pouches include nausea, vomiting, headache, and heartburn. Nicotine causes chemicals like adrenaline and noradrenaline to be released in the body. Studies show that increased levels of these can increase heart rate and blood pressure and the heart’s need for oxygen.
Animal studies suggest that nicotine use during adolescence can cause long-term changes in the brain and behavior as well as increase the likelihood of other drug use, decreased attention levels, and mood problems.
Young people have more nicotine receptors in reward-related areas of the brain. This makes the effects of nicotine stronger in teenagers than in adults.
There is currently not enough evidence to confirm that nicotine pouches are harmful to oral health, but dentists are concerned about their potential effects. Last year, a review found that oral side effects included dry mouth, mouth ulcers, sores on the gums, and sometimes changes in the gum area – such as receding of the gum line – where the pouches were placed. This is similar to the side effects of oral NRT. Unlike NRT, which is typically used for a three-month course, sachets can be used for longer periods of time – potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
Belgium and the Netherlands have banned nicotine pouches because of the potential dangers. In the UK, the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill will allow the government to regulate the use of nicotine pouches so that they can only be sold to people aged 18 and over. Advertising will be banned and content and branding will be regulated.
This could be a welcome step forward for those concerned that nicotine pouch brands are targeting youth who have never smoked. But, for current smokers who are looking for a product to help them quit, it may be wise to choose a regulated NRT – even if the taste may not be as appealing.