Is Zyn, a popular nicotine pouch, as bad as smoking?

The road to a tobacco-free life is full of roadblocks and people often look for 'healthier' alternatives to smoking that could support their efforts to quit. Nicotine pouches are emerging as a popular option for many people dealing with tobacco addiction and are deemed 'safe' for health. In January, the US Food and Drug Administration authorized the marketing of Zyn nicotine pouch products after an extensive scientific review regarding its safety. According to the agency, the authorised products pose lower risk of cancer and other serious health conditions compared to most smokeless tobacco products, such as moist snuff and snus.

What are nicotine pouches?
According to CDC, nicotine pouches contain a powder made of nicotine, flavorings, and other ingredients. The powder dissolves in the mouth, and nicotine is absorbed through the gums and lining of the mouth.

How to use them
To use a nicotine pouch, it is placed in your mouth between your gum and lip for up to an hour. It should not be smoked or swallows. Instead, the body absorbs the nicotine into the bloodstream through mucous membranes in the mouth.

While nicotine pouches may help in quitting smoking and are comparatively safe for health, the high amount of nicotine make them highly addictive. Additionally, they also have food-grade additives, fillers, a stabilizer (hydroxypropyl cellulose), pH adjusters, noncaloric sweeteners, and flavorings, according to the National Library of Medicine.

According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Vaughan Rees, nicotine pouches may help adult smokers quit, but they could also unintentionally encourage young people to start using a nicotine product.

Risks of Zyn
While Zyn is less dangerous than smoking, it still exposes youth who are non-smokers to a host of chemicals and additives. It is also highly addictive and may increase risk of cardiovascular disease risk in people not already using nicotine products, Rees said. “Teens and young adults who do not smoke or vape should avoid this product,” he said.

It is a highly addictive chemical that is especially dangerous for youth, young adults, and pregnant women, as per CDC. The side effects as per WebMD also include hiccups, gum irritation, nicotine addiction, sore mouth, and upset stomach.

Risks of smoking
Smoking increases the risk of cancer, especially lung, throat, and mouth cancers. It damages the heart and lungs, leading to heart disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory issues. It also weakens the immune system and harms nearly every organ in the body.

Are nicotine pouches safer than smoking?
The impact of nicotine pouches on long-term health still isn't clear. They are not officially considered smokeless tobacco, and are not regulated closely by FDA.
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