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Alemohammad SY, Khalaji A, Osibogun O, Jebai R, Li W, Ijaz A, Gehris M, Dargahi Abbasabad G, Ward K, Bursac Z, Ben Taleb Z, Ebrahimi Kalan M. Associations between ENDS and cigarette use, and compromised immunity in US adults: Findings from the 2021-2022 NHIS. J Addict Dis 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39066465 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2024.2380116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tobacco use presents increased risks for individuals with weakened immune systems (WIS). We investigated the association between cigarette and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS or e-cigarettes) use and WIS in US adults using data from the 2021-2022 National Health Interview Survey. METHODS Data from 57,133 adults were analyzed, focusing on WIS prevalence due to health conditions, prescriptions, or both. Cigarette and ENDS use were categorized as never, former, or current. Weighted multivariable regression models adjusted for demographics and other health conditions to assess associations between tobacco use and WIS. RESULTS Among US adults, 4.3% had prescription-related WIS, 4.6% had health condition-related WIS, and 7% had WIS due to either reason. Adjusted results from multivariable regression models indicated that adults with WIS due to health conditions were more likely to be current (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.05-1.40) and former (AOR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.11-1.39) cigarette smokers compared to counterparts without WIS. Adults with WIS due to prescriptions were more likely to be former cigarette smokers (AOR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.06-1.34). Those with WIS for any reason were more likely to be current (AOR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.05-1.35) and former (AOR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.13-1.36) cigarette smokers. Adults with WIS due to health conditions (AOR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.06-1.41) or any reasons (AOR = 1.19, 95%CI:1.05-1.34) were more likely to be former ENDS users compared to those without WIS. CONCLUSIONS In this nationally representative study, we found a notable link between cigarette and ENDS use with WIS, particularly among those with health condition-related or prescription-related WIS, underscoring the importance of addressing tobacco use in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Yasaman Alemohammad
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Olatokunbo Osibogun
- Department of Epidemiology, Robert Stempel College of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rime Jebai
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ateeqa Ijaz
- School of Health Professions, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Miranda Gehris
- School of Health Professions, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Ghader Dargahi Abbasabad
- Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kenneth Ward
- College of Population Health, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Zoran Bursac
- Department of Biostatistics, Robert Stempel College of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ziyad Ben Taleb
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
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Travis N, Warner KE, Goniewicz ML, Oh H, Ranganathan R, Meza R, Hartmann-Boyce J, Levy DT. The Potential Impact of Oral Nicotine Pouches on Public Health: A Scoping Review. Nicotine Tob Res 2024:ntae131. [PMID: 38880491 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntae131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) are a new class of nicotine products. This scoping review summarizes evidence on ONPs and explores their potential public health impact. AIMS AND METHODS We conducted a structured literature search for empirical studies across three electronic databases through January 10, 2024. Outcomes included ONP product characteristics, use patterns, beliefs and perceptions, toxicity, and marketing and sales. RESULTS Sixty-two studies were included, 17 were industry-funded. Most studies were from the United States. While large variations across studies were observed in ONP youth prevalence estimates, nationally representative U.S. studies find current use at 1.5% and lifetime use below 2.5% through 2023. Between 35% and 42% of U.S. adolescents and young adults have heard of ONPs, and 9-21% of tobacco-naïve youth were susceptible to trying them. U.S. adult-use estimates varied widely (0.8%-3% current; 3%-16% lifetime use) and were limited to populations with a history of tobacco use. The chemical composition of ONPs suggests fewer harmful/potentially harmful compounds at lower levels than cigarettes and smokeless tobacco (SLT), except formaldehyde. Industry-funded studies find substantially less cytotoxicity compared to cigarettes and suggest that higher nicotine-strength ONPs can deliver nicotine at levels comparable to or higher than SLT or cigarettes, although with slower nicotine release than cigarettes. Evidence on the cytotoxicity of ONPs relative to SLT is mixed. CONCLUSIONS ONPs appear to be less toxic than cigarettes and deliver comparable nicotine, presenting an alternative for combustible product users, although key data are mainly available from industry-funded studies. Data from independent research is critically needed. Industry marketing of ONPs may encourage initiation in youth and situational and dual use in adults. IMPLICATIONS The review provides an initial assessment of the potential role of ONPs in harm reduction and aims to determine unintended consequences of their use (youth uptake and dual-use) and identify populations that disproportionately use the product. This information is essential for tobacco regulatory bodies in determining the net public health impact of nicotine pouches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nargiz Travis
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown Medical University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kenneth E Warner
- Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Maciej L Goniewicz
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Hayoung Oh
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown Medical University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Radhika Ranganathan
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown Medical University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rafael Meza
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jamie Hartmann-Boyce
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - David T Levy
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown Medical University, Washington, DC, USA
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Jabba SV, Silinski P, Yang AY, Ouyang W, Jordt SE. Artificial Sweeteners in US-Marketed Oral Nicotine Pouch Products: Correlation with Nicotine Contents and Effects on Product Preference. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.26.577472. [PMID: 38328200 PMCID: PMC10849646 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.577472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Artificial sweeteners are listed as ingredients of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs), a new product category with rapidly growing market share. The exact sweetener contents of ONPs remain unknown. Artificial sweeteners in ONPs may facilitate initiation and encourage consumption behavior. Aims and Methods Artificial sweetener contents in major US-marketed ONP brands (Zyn, on!, Velo) were determined by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Sweetener effects during the initiation of ONP consumption were modeled in single- and two-bottle tests, offering mice ONP extracts calibrated to contain nicotine levels similar to saliva of people who use smokeless tobacco. To examine the contribution of sweet taste perception, consumption behavior was compared between wild-type mice and mice deficient in the sweet taste receptor (Tas1r2-/-). Results Acesulfame-K was detected in on!, Zyn and Velo ONPs (~0.3-0.9 mg/pouch), including products marketed as "Unflavored" or "Flavor ban approved". In Velo ONPs, sweetened with sucralose (0.6-1.2 mg/pouch), higher nicotine strength products contained higher sucralose levels. Tas1r2-/- mice consumed less ONP extracts than wild-type mice in both sexes. ONP extracts with both higher nicotine and sweetener strengths were tolerated by wild-type mice, but produced stronger aversion in Tas1r2-/- mice. Conclusions ONPs contain significant amounts of artificial sweeteners, with some brands adding more sweetener to ONPs with higher nicotine strengths. Artificial sweeteners, at levels present in ONPs, increase nicotine consumption. Increasing sweetener contents facilitates consumption of ONPs with higher nicotine strengths. Sweetness is a key determinant of ONP use initiation, likely reducing the aversive sensory effects of nicotine and other ONP constituents. Implications Artificial sweeteners such as acesulfame-K or sucralose reduce aversion and facilitate initiation and continued consumption of ONPs. The marketing of some artificially sweetened ONPs as "Unflavored" of "Flavor ban-approved" suggests that the tobacco industry rejects sweet taste as a determinant for the presence of a characterizing flavor. Sweetness as imparted by artificial sweeteners in tobacco products needs to be addressed by regulators as a component of a characterizing flavor, with the aim to reduce product appeal and initiation by never users, and especially youth attracted to sweet flavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sairam V. Jabba
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Yale Center for the Study of Tobacco Products (YCSTP), Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Alicia Y. Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Wenyi Ouyang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sven E. Jordt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Yale Center for the Study of Tobacco Products (YCSTP), Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Meza LR, Galimov A, Sussman S, Goniewicz ML, Page MK, Leventhal A. Proliferation of 'non-menthol' cigarettes amid a state-wide flavour ban. Tob Control 2023:tc-2023-058074. [PMID: 37474314 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leah R Meza
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Artur Galimov
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steve Sussman
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, and School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maciej Lukasz Goniewicz
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Michelle K Page
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Adam Leventhal
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Institute for Addiction Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Jabba SV, Erythropel HC, Woodrow JG, Anastas PT, O'Malley S, Krishnan-Sarin S, Zimmerman JB, Jordt SE. Synthetic cooling agent in oral nicotine pouch products marketed as 'Flavour-Ban Approved'. Tob Control 2023:tc-2023-058035. [PMID: 37380351 PMCID: PMC10753027 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND US sales of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) have rapidly increased, with cool/mint-flavoured ONPs the most popular flavour category. Restrictions on sales of flavoured tobacco products have either been implemented or proposed by several US states and localities. Zyn, the most popular ONP brand, is marketing Zyn Chill and Zyn Smooth as 'Flavour-Ban Approved' or 'unflavoured', probably to evade flavour bans and increase product appeal. At present, it is unclear whether these ONPs are indeed free of flavour additives that can impart pleasant sensations such as cooling. METHODS Sensory cooling and irritant activities of 'Flavour-Ban Approved' Zyn ONPs, Chill and Smooth, along with minty varieties (Cool Mint, Peppermint, Spearmint, Menthol), were analysed by Ca2+ microfluorimetry in HEK293 cells expressing the cold/menthol (TRPM8) or menthol/irritant receptor (TRPA1). Flavour chemical content of these ONPs was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS Zyn Chill ONP extracts robustly activated TRPM8, with much higher efficacy (39%-53%) than the mint-flavoured ONPs. In contrast, mint-flavoured ONP extracts elicited stronger TRPA1 irritant receptor responses than Chill extracts. Chemical analysis demonstrated that Chill exclusively contained WS-3, an odourless synthetic cooling agent, while mint-flavoured ONPs contained WS-3 together with mint flavourants. CONCLUSIONS ONP products marketed as 'Flavour-Ban Approved' or 'unflavoured' contain flavouring agents, proving that the manufacturer's advertising is misleading. Synthetic coolants such as WS-3 can provide a robust cooling sensation with reduced sensory irritancy, thereby increasing product appeal and use. Regulators need to develop effective strategies for the control of odourless sensory additives used by the industry to bypass flavour bans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sairam V Jabba
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Yale Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hanno C Erythropel
- Yale Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Paul T Anastas
- Center for Green Chemistry & Green Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stephanie O'Malley
- Yale Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin
- Yale Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Julie B Zimmerman
- Yale Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sven Eric Jordt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Yale Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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O'Connor R. Flavours, ingredients and flavour bans. Tob Control 2023; 32:e1-e2. [PMID: 36931647 PMCID: PMC10086492 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard O'Connor
- Department of Health Behavior, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA richard.o'
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Synthetic Cooling Agent in Oral Nicotine Pouch Products Marketed as "Flavor-Ban Approved". BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.23.529797. [PMID: 36865160 PMCID: PMC9980044 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.23.529797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Background US sales of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) have rapidly increased, with cool/mint-flavored ONPs the most popular. Restrictions on sales of flavored tobacco products have either been implemented or proposed by several US states and localities. Zyn, the most popular ONP brand, is marketing Zyn-"Chill" and Zyn-"Smooth" as "Flavor-Ban Approved", probably to evade flavor bans. At present it is unclear whether these ONPs are indeed free of flavor additives that can impart pleasant sensations such as cooling. Methods Sensory cooling and irritant activities of "Flavor-Ban Approved" ONPs, Zyn-"Chill" and "Smooth", along with "minty" varieties (Cool Mint, Peppermint, Spearmint, Menthol), were analyzed by Ca2+ microfluorimetry in HEK293 cells expressing the cold/menthol (TRPM8) or menthol/irritant receptor (TRPA1). Flavor chemical content of these ONPs was analyzed by GC/MS. Results Zyn-"Chill" ONP extracts robustly activated TRPM8, with much higher efficacy (39-53%) than the mint-flavored ONPs. In contrast, mint-flavored ONP extracts elicited stronger TRPA1 irritant receptor responses than Zyn-"Chill" extracts. Chemical analysis demonstrated the presence of WS-3, an odorless synthetic cooling agent, in Zyn-"Chill" and several other mint-flavored Zyn-ONPs. Conclusions Synthetic cooling agents such as WS-3 found in 'Flavor-Ban Approved' Zyn-"Chill" can provide a robust cooling sensation with reduced sensory irritancy, thereby increasing product appeal and use. The label "Flavor-Ban Approved" is misleading and may implicate health benefits. Regulators need to develop effective strategies for the control of odorless sensory additives used by the industry to bypass flavor bans.
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Sparrock LS, Phan L, Chen-Sankey J, Hacker K, Ajith A, Jewett B, Choi K. Nicotine Pouch: Awareness, Beliefs, Use, and Susceptibility among Current Tobacco Users in the United States, 2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2050. [PMID: 36767414 PMCID: PMC9915420 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about awareness, beliefs, and use of nicotine pouches (NPs). Data from 1583 U.S. adult (age ≥ 21 years) current tobacco users were collected in 2021. Respondents self-reported NP awareness, beliefs, use, and susceptibility as well as current tobacco product use and socio-demographics. We used weighted logistic and multinomial regression models to explore the associations between these variables. Overall, 46.6% of U.S. adult current tobacco users were aware of, 16.4% had ever used, and 3.0% currently used NPs. Younger individuals (vs. 61+ years) were more likely to have ever heard of NPs, while Black individuals (vs. White) were less likely to have ever heard of NPs. Individuals younger than 45 years (vs. 61+ years) and those using smokeless tobacco products (vs. non-users) were more likely to have ever used NPs. Additionally, younger than 45 years (vs. 61+ years) and current use of certain tobacco products (e.g., smokeless) were associated with current NP use. Holding favorable beliefs about NPs was associated with susceptibility to and more advanced NP use statuses (p < 0.05). Continuous surveillance of NP use and beliefs is important.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lilianna Phan
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Julia Chen-Sankey
- Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- School of Public Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kiana Hacker
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Aniruddh Ajith
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Bambi Jewett
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kelvin Choi
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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