Sweet nicotine pouches may increase addiction risk

Researchers have found that sweet-flavored nicotine pouches may be more addictive than other flavors. The use of these pouches is increasing in the UK, with 5.4 percent of adults having tried them, a number that has doubled since 2020, according to King’s College London. Nicotine pouches are small sachets that release nicotine without containing tobacco. They are placed between the upper lip and gums. While the flavor does not affect how nicotine is absorbed, it can influence user satisfaction and how likely a person is to keep using nicotine products. A study from the Yale School of Medicine tested the impact of sweeteners like sucrose and saccharin, along with the flavoring cinnamaldehyde (which gives cinnamon its taste), on rats. Results showed that both male and female rats preferred pouches with sweeteners. However, female rats preferred nicotine with sucrose, while males favored nicotine flavored with cinnamon. The study also found that menthol increased nicotine intake in male rats but not in females. Lead author Deniz Bagdas noted that flavorings and sweeteners play different roles in nicotine preference between genders. This knowledge may help shape policies for regulation and harm reduction. Though nicotine pouches are considered less harmful than smoking, they are still addictive. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nicotine increases dopamine levels in the brain, which can lead to dependency. Withdrawal can cause various symptoms, including irritability and cravings.