Are Nicotine Pouches Bad For You?

Nathan Chilcott

Beginner’s Guides

If you’re considering trying nicotine pouches for the first time, or have been using them for years, the question, “Are nicotine pouches bad for you?” is a valid one.

The answer may surprise you.

We’ll explore it in detail in this guide.

Nicotine pouches are less harmful than cigarettes

Nicotine pouches have been growing in popularity as governments around the world regulate cigarettes to discourage their use.

Pouches have been proven to be less harmful than cigarettes by many [studies] (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10944327/), and harm reduction advocates support the use of pouches as a method of quitting smoking.

Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians support the use of nicotine pouches as an alternative to smoking.

This is because nicotine pouches are tobacco and smoke-free. Their use includes no combustion, and they eliminate exposure to tar and carbon monoxide, which have been proven to be the primary disease drivers in smokers.

"Nicotine pouches have helped many smokers quit, and pose significantly lower health risks than cigarettes and chewing tobacco.”

However, there are health risks to using nicotine pouches.

Health risks of using nicotine pouches

Yes, there are health risks to using nicotine pouches, particularly as a result of irresponsible use.

Firstly, nicotine pouches contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. Addiction can lead to dependence, and when experiencing withdrawal, nicotine users can experience, anxiety, irritability, and cravings.

Nicotine stimulates the nervous system, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and the risk of arrhythmias and hypertension.

These risks are not unique to pouch use, they’re associated with all nicotine use.

Focusing on pouches, there are oral health concerns among health practitioners. Nicotine pouches when overused have the potential to cause gum irritation, [recession] (https://www.allwhiteonline.com/blog/do-nicotine-pouches-cause-gum-recession), and dry mouth.

Nicotine can also be damaging in pregnancy increasing the risk of low birth weight and premature delivery.

Effects on the brain are possible for younger users, nicotine can impair attention, learning and control, and brain development, for people under 25.

Unknown long-term effects

As pouches as relatively new, there is little data about how they affect health over time. We don’t yet know how exposure to some ingredients including flavouring will affect the body over time.

This is one of the reasons why some governments have banned, or are considering banning flavoured pouches.

Responsible use

Any health risks, which are significantly lower than those associated with smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco, can be largely reduced with responsible use.

Nicotine pouch health risks can be avoided with correct usage, such as:

• Following manufacturer usage limits
• Staying hydrated
• Not using pouches consecutively
• Respecting maximum daily usage
• Not placing pouches in the same position
• Limiting nicotine strength
• Avoiding use if you have health risks including, cardiovascular conditions, oral health conditions, are pregnant
• Sticking to legal, regulated products

Nicotine pouches are not inherently bad for you

So, no, nicotine pouches are not inherently bad for you, as nicotine itself isn’t. There are always health risks when using nicotine products irresponsibly. So, always prioritise responsible use.

However, nicotine can also have positive effects when used in controlled doses including:

• Improved focus and attention
• Short term memory enhancement
• Mood regulation
• Potential to slow parkinson’s and alzheimer’s Disease

Plus, you can significantly reduce the risks of nicotine pouches with informed use and responsible usage habits. Most users of nicotine pouches enjoy the pleasurable rush of nicotine pouches without negative health impacts.

Explore our nicotine pouch collection

Typically, nicotine pouches are a fantastic alternative nicotine product with fewer health risks than smoking, vaping and snus.

Ready to explore our wide selection of nicotine pouches? You’ll find a huge range of flavours and strengths from regulated brands which only use approved safe ingredients.

Buying online is often the best choice for consumers. At AWO we regularly offer great discounts and you can save even more when you buy in bulk.

• Disclaimer

We make every effort to ensure the information published on our website is accurate and up-to-date. Our blog is provided for information only. It is not intended as medical advice.