Lip Service

You Should Know: Smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco harm health in countless ways. But what about nicotine without tobacco? Nicotine pouches (e.g., ZYN) use nicotine powder instead of tobacco leaf. Because they aren’t inhaled and lack tar and many chemical combustible byproducts, there’s a perception that they’re safe — or, at least, safer.

Going Deeper: Research is ongoing, but it suggests nicotine pouches are less toxic than tobacco products. Like nicotine patches or gum, they may help people quit smoking or vaping. Projects such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s MIND Study, are exploring nicotine’s potential effects on cognition for conditions like depression, ADHD, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Still, nicotine carries real risk.

The Takeaway: Nicotine is highly addictive. It activates the sympathetic nervous system, raising heart rate and blood pressure. It can impair the arterial lining (endothelium), raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and contribute to atherosclerosis. Nicotine use has also been associated with weakened immunity, increased risk of certain cancers, and GI issues. And many studies on nicotine pouches have been funded by their manufacturers.

The Bottom Line: If you don’t already use nicotine or tobacco, keep it that way. But if you’re trying to kick smoking, vaping, or chewing, pouches could offer a slightly better — though not risk-free — alternative.