Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of the influence of menthol and green apple e-liquids containing different nicotine concentrations among youth e-cigarette users. The study randomized youth e-cigarette users to use e-cigarettes with varying nicotine concentrations and flavors and assessed their subjective effects.
Key Points:
* The study found that green apple flavor and 6 mg/mL of nicotine independently increased liking of e-cigarette taste.
* Green apple flavor produced higher ratings of fruitiness, sourness, and sweetness, while menthol produced higher ratings of coolness.
* There were no interactions between nicotine and flavor.
* Participants liked the taste of e-liquids containing green-apple flavor or low nicotine concentration.
* Menthol flavor did not enhance liking of e-cigarette taste and liking/wanting for e-cigarette drug effects at the high nicotine concentration.
* Green-apple flavor improved e-cigarette taste and liking/wanting for e-cigarette drug effects at 6 mg/mL nicotine.
* The study suggests that both menthol and sweet flavors are liked by youth, and menthol may enhance the taste of e-liquid aerosol even at very low menthol concentrations.
Main Message:
The study highlights the appeal of fruit flavors in e-cigarettes to adolescents and the potential impact of menthol on the taste of e-liquid aerosol. The findings suggest that regulatory efforts to reduce/prevent youth access to fruit-flavored e-liquids may reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes to youth. additionally, the study emphasizes the need for further research on the impact of menthol and other flavors on e-cigarette use among youth.
Citation
Jackson a, Green B, Erythropel hC, et al. Influence of menthol and green apple e-liquids containing different nicotine concentrations among youth e-cigarette users. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology. 2021;29(4):355-365. doi:10.1037/pha0000368
