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The Truth About Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouches, which contain crystallized nicotine and are placed between the gums and lips, offer a potentially less harmful alternative to smoking or chewing tobacco, according to a recent review. However, researchers caution that they still carry risks of addiction.

The pouches, unlike Snus which contains actual tobacco, come in various flavors and nicotine strengths, contributing to their rising popularity, particularly among young adults. Nargiz Travis, project director at Georgetown University’s Center for the Assessment of Tobacco Regulations, highlighted concerns about these pouches potentially fostering new forms of nicotine dependence, especially among youth who have not previously used tobacco or nicotine.

Published in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research, the review analyzed 45 academic and 17 industry-funded studies on nicotine pouches. It found that while current use among children and teens is relatively low at about 1.5%, awareness of the products is much higher, with up to 42% of teens and young adults having heard of them. A significant portion, around 21% of non-tobacco-using young people, expressed openness to trying them.

Reasons cited for trying nicotine pouches include curiosity, appealing flavors, and the convenience of using them in places where traditional tobacco products are banned. Despite containing fewer harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, nicotine pouches may still contain formaldehyde, a known potential carcinogen.

Travis emphasized that despite being marketed as tobacco-free, nicotine pouches are tobacco products and carry addictive properties and health risks associated with nicotine use. They are currently not authorized by the FDA for marketing as modified-risk products or approved for cessation purposes in the United States.

Due to their lesser regulation compared to smoking or vaping, researchers underscored the importance of continued independent study to evaluate their risks and benefits accurately. Travis stressed the necessity of scrutinizing both industry-sponsored and independent research to ensure transparency and mitigate potential biases in understanding the full spectrum of health implications associated with these products.