Nicotine absorption from electronic cigarette use: comparison between experienced consumers (vapers) and na"ive users (smokers)

Introduction:
This text is a summary of a scientific study about the absorption of nicotine from electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in experienced users (vapers) and naive users (smokers). The study compares the nicotine delivery potential of a new-generation e-cigarette device in smokers with no previous experience in e-cigarette use and experienced vapers. The study also examines the association between nicotine absorption and puffing topography.

Key Points:

* The study used a new-generation e-cigarette device set at 9 watts.
* Twenty-four vapers and twenty-three smokers participated in the study.
* Blood samples were collected at baseline, 5 minutes, and every 15 minutes thereafter.
* The study found that smokers consistently exhibited lower plasma nicotine levels at all time-periods.
* Both groups took similar number of puffs, but smokers had shorter puff duration.
* The study suggests that different use patterns result in different nicotine pharmacokinetics.
* The study also found that even in vapers, plasma nicotine levels at 5 minutes were lower than those observed after smoking one tobacco cigarette.
* The study highlights the need for proper information for smokers about the difference in characteristics of e-cigarette use compared to tobacco cigarettes.

Main Message:
The main message of the study is that new-generation e-cigarettes can effectively deliver nicotine, but at a slower rate and lower levels in naive compared to experienced users. Users should be properly informed at the initiation of e-cigarette use that nicotine intake will likely increase as they learn and adjust their use-patterns. Faster nicotine delivery is expected to increase the appeal of e-cigarettes to smokers and could make them more effective as smoking cessation tools, at the cost of potentially increasing their dependence potential. The study also emphasizes the need for proper education of the society that e-cigarettes should be used as smoking substitutes and not as a new healthy habit for anyone to adopt.

Farsalinos, Konstantinos, alketa Spyrou’, Christos Stefopoulos’, Kalliroi Tsimopoulou’, Panagiota Kourkoveli’, Dimitris Tsiapras’, Stamatis Kyrzopoulos’, and Konstantinos Poulas. “Nicotine absorption from Electronic Cigarette Use: Comparison between Experienced Consumers (Vapers) and Na"ive Users (Smokers).” Scientific Reports, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep11269.