Smoke-Free Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouch
Smoke-free flavored nicotine pouches like the popular brand Zyn are gaining popularity among young people on social media platform TikTok. In a January press conference, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer called for federal regulators to investigate the marketing tactics and health effects of the products. Johns Hopkins behavioral pharmacologist Tory Spindle weighs in on the trend.URL: https://heysnus.com/sl/collections/nicotine-pouches
Nicotine pouches, which are typically placed under the lip and look similar to gum, do not contain tobacco but contain varying levels of the addictive drug nicotine and other flavors, sweeteners, and plant-based fibers. They are marketed to kids and teens through viral videos by social media influencers, music stars, and sports stars, with brands such as Zyn, On!, and Velo spending PS1bn on advertising in 2022.
Nicotine Pouches and Social Acceptance: Shifting Perceptions
The products, referred to as oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) or electronic cigarettes, are manufactured by combining a permeable pouch containing water and microcrystalline cellulose with a nontobacco substrate to which flavorings, sweeteners, and nicotine are added. Approximately 80-90% of the ONPs are absorbed into the bloodstream through the buccal mucosa.
Despite the fact that ONPs do not contain tobacco, they may pose significant risks to oral health and are associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysbiosis, and can result in periodontal disease. As the use of ONPs is rapidly increasing globally, new research on the effects of these products on the oral mucosa and other body systems is needed to inform regulatory policy decisions. This research could include identifying biomarkers for evaluating systemic and oral risk, and establishing how ONPs affect oral microbiome and cellular redox signaling, as well as identify potential therapeutic approaches for addressing these adverse impacts.