New flavoured nicotine products are growing in popularity. These include oral nicotine pouches, which are often placed between the gums and cheeks.One popular brand name is Zyn.
UnderstandingPouches during Adolescence
While the levels of nicotine significantly vary across different types, the truth is that using nicotine in your adolescence can have an impact on proneness to addiction, attention span, and learning. Zyn menthol products, especially, deliver about 6 milligrams of nicotine in every pouch.
Because research shows that using nicotine at an early age is associated with lifetime dependence and regular use, we need to be worried about their consumption during adolescence.
Are They Safer than Vaping, Chewing, or Smoking?
The long-term health effects of nicotine pouches are still unknown. Technically they not regarded as smokeless tobacco. But these products have not been regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as combustible tobacco or smokeless tobacco products.
More data is yet to come, so we are unsure how minimized exposure can translate into decreasing harm to your health. Currently, there are no regulations that restrict or prevent flavoured pouches.The side effects of using these products are a lot. Some of these side effects include the following:
- Nicotine addition that increases the risks of relapse with other products
- Sore mouth
- Nausea
- Hiccups
- Irritation of gums
How Dangerous Can They Be for Kids?
Nicotine might not have the toxins or chemicals that we often find in cigarette smoke. However, the product very addictive.In addition, it can negatively impact the whole body. This doesn’t just increase heart-rate/blood pressure and causes stomach and lung issues. It also narrows arteries that may result in a heart attack.
The truth is that pouches are safer alternatives to vaping or cigarette. This is because they don’t have carcinogens linked with tobacco. However, they are still not advisable for kids.
Their health risks are not available yet. Doctors and researchers don’t know what happens with time when you have a varying strength of nicotine in your mouth. According to them, the risks are minimal, but it is also possible that they have an impact over time.
Experts also point out that nicotine serves as a stimulant. For young adults and adolescents, it can harm developing brains. When kids’ brains are forming, the use of nicotine may cause issues like ADHD-type cognitive symptoms and increased impulsivity.
In addition, it may result in a predisposition to addiction to both nicotine and other products. If someone is new to it, they can feel a buzz.
In conclusion, if you decide to use nicotine pouches, ensure you use them under the healthcare provider’s supervision. It is advisable to use them at the healthcare provider’s recommendation, regardless of your age.
Under medical supervision, there is a chance that a person can abuse or inappropriately use the product. This is why health authorities must emphasize who can benefit from these products and who needs to avoid them. But generally, everyone who doesn’t use pouches shouldn’t begin using them.