Addictive or Additive: The Nicotine Debate
Nicotine has long been associated with smoking, but recent trends have given rise to a nicotine addicted culture, further fueled by assertions that the substance actually has health benefits.
We all know by now that smoking is bad for you and causes lung cancer and is addictive and ruins your teeth, etc. etc., but in the past decade a new means of ingesting nicotine has taken hold and seemingly does not have the same tobacco-related health consequences as the traditional cigarette. As these products have emerged, so has conversation around the potential benefits of nicotine. So, the question everyone is asking: is Zyn really good for you?
Nicotine has long been known as the addictive chemical in cigarettes and associated with negative health effects due to its use in smoking, but recently nicotine, specifically in tobacco-less forms has garnered positive attention from health professionals and researchers for its potential therapeutic benefits. Recent research has highlighted a number of cognitive and neurological benefits related to nicotine that have many wondering whether these seemingly unhealthy habits could actually be good for us. Along with various reports on the topic, popular physicians and thought leaders in the health and wellness world have touted the benefits of nicotine for focus, cognitive performance, and more.
Several studies have shown that nicotine can improve cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease by enhancing protein kinase B activity and stimulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathways, which are crucial for learning and memory processes. In Parkinson's disease, nicotine may slow progression by inhibiting Sirtuin 6, thereby decreasing neuronal apoptosis and improving neuronal survival. Research also suggests that nicotine may prevent or ameliorate symptoms of Parkinson's disease and potentially Alzheimer's dementia. Since both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s have no known cures, nicotine may be a safe way to slow progression of the disease if used properly.
Nicotine can improve memory impairment caused by conditions such as sleep deprivation, chronic stress, and hypothyroidism. It enhances the phosphorylation of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, a key regulator of cell proliferation and synaptic plasticity. It has also been demonstrated to rescue long-term potentiation in individuals with these conditions, primarily by desensitizing α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
Nicotine has potential protective effects against other neurological conditions such as Tourette's syndrome and ulcerative colitis due to its interaction with neurotransmitters and receptors involved in these diseases. Continued research into the pharmacological effects of nicotine could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders.
There are specific mechanisms of how nicotine interacts with the body that allow for these potential therapeutic effects to take place. By binding to nicotinic-cholinergic receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, nicotine helps release neurotransmitters such as dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin. These chemicals are involved in mood regulation, pleasure, and cognitive functions. The stimulation of these receptors can lead to increased alertness, relaxation, and improved concentration and memory.
Historically, tobacco-less nicotine has been primarily used to help people quit smoking by alleviating withdrawal symptoms and reducing the urge to smoke. Nicotine pouches, patches, and gum are all common forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products. NRT products deliver nicotine in controlled, lower doses compared to smoking and are devoid of the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Over-the-counter NRT sales have consistently totaled about $1 billion annually from 2017 to 2020. Historically gum, lozenges, and patches have been the main NRT products, but in recent years, a number of companies have come out with similar tobacco-less nicotine products that have become popular amongst non-smokers.
Juul was the first to break into the nicotine only market with their electric vape. Popularity of the device has plummeted after reports of short and long-term health problems associated with the inhalation that delivered the substance and certain toxins that were released into the lungs when used. Juul’s popularity amongst teens due to their wide array of flavors such as Mango, Crème Brûlée, and Mint led to multiple statewide legislations limiting its sale of non-tobacco flavors given the negative health effects.
Zyn has become the new front runner in the market with a tobacco-less pouch aimed at giving a similar “dipping” experience without the potential for gum cancer and tobacco-related illness. The Swedish company was acquired by Philip Morris in 2022 as part of their long-term plan for a more smoke-free future and in response to the broader decline in cigarette sales. The company has been a major player in the smokeless nicotine market, appealing to both former smokers and new nicotine users. Zyn has grown significantly post-acquisition, with a 62% increase YoY in 2023 and is projected to ship 520 million tins in 2024. Zyn has captured a dominant 76% retail market share in the U.S. nicotine pouch segment as of Q3 2023.
Similar to Juul, Zyn sells an array of flavors and appeals to a broader consumer than traditional chewing tobacco. Many suggest that since Zyn is not inhaled, it is relatively safe for use. Despite the claims the product is harmless besides the addictive nature, Zyn has faced criticism for its marketing practices, particularly concerning its appeal to younger demographics. This has led to calls for increased regulatory oversight not only for Zyn but the broader tobacco-less nicotine category.
Despite its use in smoking cessation aids and new “safe” nicotine products dominating the market, nicotine does carry significant risks and side effects, particularly when used long-term. Nicotine usage is often linked to heightened risks of cardiovascular disease from increased heart rate and blood pressure as well as acceleration of coronary and peripheral vascular disease. Nicotine is also linked to impaired lung function when inhaled and nausea, abdominal pain, and increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders. Exposure to nicotine during important developmental periods, such as perinatal, can disrupt growth so pregnant women are encouraged to avoid all types of nicotine during this time.
Beyond the potential health effects, nicotine is a highly addictive substance and can lead to dependency and even withdrawal symptoms including cravings, irritability, and sleep disturbances. There is also some evidence that nicotine can decrease your immune responses and have adverse side effects on reproductive health.
While the addictive nature and health risks associated with nicotine, particularly from smoking, are well-documented, its potential benefits in neurology and cognitive enhancement provide a compelling area for further research. We see potential for medical professionals and researchers to explore these aspects to potentially develop new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairments. However, the use of nicotine should always be approached with caution due to its high addiction potential and associated health risks. Given the lack of evidence surrounding nicotine’s positive health benefits, it is probably fair to say that the negatives and level of addictiveness of nicotine currently outweigh the positives of using the substance outside of for the purpose of NRT.