Summary
Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of a study that examines the effects of nicotine salts versus free-base nicotine on sensory appeal and puffing intensity in tobacco-flavored e-liquids. The study is designed to resemble real-life conditions as closely as possible, using an in-home paradigm and participants' own refillable e-cigarette devices.
Key Points:
* The study used a within-participants design with a sample size of 68 participants.
* Participants vaped tobacco-flavored e-liquids containing 12mg/mL of free-based nicotine or nicotine salt ad libitum using their own device.
* The sensory parameters perceived liking, nicotine intensity, harshness, and pleasantness were rated on a 100-unit visual analog scale.
* The intensity of use was determined by the recorded puff number, duration, and interval.
* The study found no significant differences in test scores on appeal, harshness, or puffing behavior parameters between the nicotine salt and free-base conditions.
* additional analyses found no significant effect of liquid order, age, gender, smoking status, vaping frequency, or familiarity with nicotine salts.
* Significant positive correlations were found between the sensory parameters, except for harshness.
Main Message:
The study did not find evidence that at concentrations of 12mg/mL, nicotine salts are easier to inhale than free-base nicotine. The study's findings have implications for regulatory policies regarding the use of nicotine salts in e-liquids, suggesting that further research is needed to define the concept of inhalation facilitation and its assessment methods. Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering real-life conditions in e-cigarette research and regulation.
Citation
Pauwels CGGM, Visser WF, Pennings JLa, et al. Sensory appeal and puffing intensity of e-cigarette use: Influence of nicotine salts versus free-base nicotine in e-liquids. Drug and alcohol dependence. 2023;248:109914. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109914
