The Health Considerations When Switching from Smoking to Nicotine Pouches

Over recent years, the rise in popularity of nicotine pouches has proven significant, and for many reasons. Globally, nicotine pouch sales reached over $10.29 billion in 2023 and the market growth rate every year is almost 36% (it is expected that this figure will increase).

While there are lots of reasons why nicotine pouches are growing exponentially, one of the areas that’s quickly gaining traction is according to pouchmafia.com the lower health risks associated with them.  Before we move onto the health considerations, let’s quickly recap on what these pouches are.

What is a Nicotine Pouch?

First introduced into the market in 2016, nicotine pouches are oral products available to purchase online or in-store.  They can be used as a replacement for smoking products, or purely for recreational use, but perhaps the biggest benefit is these pouches contain no tobacco.  They also contain synthetic nicotine (not all pouch products do, but many do), which is believed as better for health than traditional nicotine.  

As well as nicotine, the pouches contain what’s known as a “cellulose matrix” which is a very fine, porous material, often blended with appealing flavours.  The nicotine content is key, because usually, it is greater than the amounts found in other tobacco-replacement products.  In fact, generally, the nicotine quantity in nicotine pouches is higher than traditional cigarettes (up to 21 mg depending on the brand and strength).  Traditional cigarettes contain up to 14 mg, again, depending on brand and strength.  Due to the higher concentration in nicotine pouches, effects last longer than traditional cigarettes, often up to two hours.

Using a nicotine pouch is easy.  Simply place one pouch inside the mouth area, either behind the lip or between the cheek and gum and leave it there for up to an hour.  The nicotine is slowly released into the gums and saliva and begins to take effect quickly.

Are Nicotine Pouches Better For Health Than Smoking Cigarettes?

In short, the answer is yes.  However, as these products are still relatively new to the market, there is little data available, but studies are in progress.  Moreover, the most important aspect to take not of is that nicotine pouches contain zero tobacco and tobacco is the main reason why cigarettes are so dangerous.  It is the tobacco content (rather than the nicotine content) that is carcinogenic and contributes to heart and lung diseases.  Furthermore, as nicotine pouches are non-combustible, there’s no wafting smoke, which means that there’s no risk of others inhaling second-hand smoke, as there is with smoking.

It is worth noting that cigarettes contain free radicals, which attack the body, and another organ that faces significant damage due to cigarette smoke is the skin.  Smoking causes it to age extremely quickly.  This is because cigarettes cause the breakdown of elasticity and collagen, whereas nicotine pouches don’t affect the skin.

Nicotine Pouches and Smoking Cessation

As nicotine pouches don’t contain any tobacco and are smoke-free, more and more people are turning to these products to help them stop smoking.  Again, studies are still in their infancy, but it is fair to say that similarly to nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine sprays and nicotine lozenges, nicotine pouches are another product that can help smokers switch from traditional cigarettes.  Also, unlike other smoking cessation products, nicotine pouches come in a selection of appealing flavours, which only enhances their appeal and makes them pleasurable to use.  Many users of other smoking cessation products say that one of the reasons they fail to quit is because of the unpleasant flavour – as other products only come in limited flavours. In health terms, any product that helps a smoker to quit must be a benefit!

Nicotine – The Many Lesser-Known Benefits

Contrary to popular belief, it is not the nicotine that poses a danger in a lit cigarette, but the burning tobacco that’s inhaled into the lungs.  Yes, doubtless, nicotine is an addictive substance, but it comes with far less health risks than tobacco and in fact, has some health benefits, listed as follows:

  • Nicotine (both synthetic and non-synthetic) is officially non-carcinogenic (does not cause cancer).

  • Nicotine is an effective appetite-suppressant (good for weight control and reducing obesity).

  • It has minimal effect on cardiovascular health.

  • Studies say it may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Nicotine could prevent Parkinson’s disease.

  • It may be able to treat ulcerative colitis.

  • It is believed to help with cognitive function, especially in improving memory.

  • It may be able to control ADHD (attention deficit disorder).

  • It may be able to help control Tourette’s Syndrome.

  • Clinical studies suggest that nicotine may reduce schizophrenic episodes.

  • Nicotine is linked to reducing depression.

  • Nicotine can prevent inflammation, therefore could also help control arthritis.

In Conclusion

Smoking cigarettes, and indeed using vape products come with well-known health risks, especially cancer, heart disease, lung disease and risk of heart failure with prolonged use.  Cigarette smoke is also a danger to others and its free radicals can significantly damage skin too, causing it to break down and age rapidly.  Nicotine pouches, on the other hand, don’t have any carcinogenic risk attached to them.  Neither do they produce smoke that could be inhaled by others – using a nicotine pouch does not put others in danger.  There are some studies available that promote nicotine as a positive substance, as it may well halt a number of debilitating diseases and boost better health.