Some doubts about vaping may go up in smoke with this latest study.
While smoking rates have fallen to an all-time low, the use of electronic cigarettes has become more popular, thanks in part to appealing fruity flavors and sleek designs.
Initially marketed as a way to help people quit traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes may rewrite their faltering reputation due to two notable benefits.
A study out Tuesday found that switching to pod-based salt-nicotine e-cigarettes (a trendy design that’s supposed to deliver nicotine more smoothly) increased the chances of quitting cigs and reduced toxic chemical exposure.
Led by researchers from Penn State College of Medicine, the study had 104 people who smoked more than four cigarettes a day receive a 5% nicotine e-cigarette or an identical device with zero nicotine to use for six weeks.
Measuring the presence of chemicals in participants’ urine and breath, the researchers were particularly interested in NNAL, one of the most potent carcinogens found in tobacco and tobacco smoke.
While both groups showed fewer chemicals in their system, including ones that contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular disease, the 5% nicotine group had less exposure.
That’s because they weren’t sneaking cigs during the study.
Blood pressure, heart rate and lung function were also assessed, and participants were asked about cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms throughout the study.
Those who smoked every day were three times more likely to quit within six weeks once they switched to the e-cigarette, compared to those who used similar-looking gizmos with no nicotine.
More than 36% of e-cig smokers gave up smoking entirely compared to only 11.5% of the no-nicotine group — a difference that remained the same at a 10-week follow-up.
The researchers believe the method of nicotine delivery is what impacted these findings.
“The nicotine e-cigarette provides a similar level of nicotine as a cigarette, satisfying cravings and making the switch easier,” lead study author Jessica Yingst said in a statement.
“But their overall toxic chemical exposure dropped substantially,” she added.
While addictive, nicotine isn’t the main reason behind smoking-related cancers and heart disease. Instead, it’s the harmful byproducts released when tobacco is burned.
These findings highlight positive results associated with e-cigarettes, though previous research has shown that they actually breed more smokers, with adults using traditional and electronic versions.
And smoking nicotine in any form is harmful to health, as it’s linked to the possibility of organ failure, heart disease and brain issues like dementia.
The Penn State researchers said their study was funded by National Institutes on Drug Abuse, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, the National Cancer Institute and the FDA.
