What are Nicotine Pouches?
Oral nicotine products are a smokeless tobacco variant, even though not classified as such by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Similar to snus, nicotine pouches and lozenges are smokeless products, but there is no leaf tobacco contained in pouches or lozenges.
While these products do not contain tobacco, they contain nicotine, plant-based fibers, sweeteners, and flavorings.
The levels of toxins and nicotine vary significantly from brand to brand. With Zyn products, among the most popular in this emerging market, nicotine levels can reach 6mg per pouch.
You place nicotine pouches or lozenges between your cheek and gum. Despite the colorful packaging often resembling mint containers, these products contain the addictive chemical nicotine.
Research shows that roughly 20% of high school students used e-cigarettes in 2020, and nicotine pouches are also rising in popularity among youths, raising public health concerns at the same time.
The use of flavorings in tobacco products is proven to appeal to young people, with data also suggesting that nicotine pouch dollar sales increased by 470% over the first half of 2020, making this the quickest-growing sub-category of tobacco products.
Are nicotine pouches bad for you, then?
Nicotine Pouches Side Effects
Regrettably, researchers do not yet know the long-term health consequences of nicotine pouches and lozenges.
Due to not being classified as smokeless tobacco products by the FDA, means these products are not regulated as strictly as combustible (smoked) tobacco products.
The lack of long-term data means researchers are unclear on how exposure to nicotine pouches could be harmful to health.
The most common side effects of using nicotine pouches include:
- Nausea
- Sore mouth
- Irritation of gums
- Hiccups
- Nicotine addiction
- Increased relapse risk with tobacco products
Health Effects of Nicotine Pouches
Even though the specific health outcomes of using nicotine pouches are not clear, any use of nicotine is unsafe.
Beyond this, nicotine pouches may not be technically classified as smokeless products, but they have similarities, potentially leading to serious health risks.
The chronic use of smokeless tobacco products can lead to nicotine addiction, while some research suggests that smokeless tobacco could lead to cigarette use.
