Relation of nicotine yield of cigarettes to blood nicotine concentrations in smokers.

Introduction:
This article investigates the relationship between the nicotine yield of cigarettes and blood nicotine concentrations in smokers. The study aims to determine whether there is a significant difference in blood nicotine concentrations in smokers of cigarettes with varying nicotine yields. The study also examines the impact of cigarette consumption on blood nicotine concentrations.

Key Points:

* The study involved 330 smokers (206 women and 124 men) who smoked cigarettes with different nicotine yields.
* Despite large differences in nicotine yield, there was no relation between blood nicotine concentration and the type of cigarette smoked.
* The correlation between blood nicotine concentration and nicotine yield of the cigarette was low, accounting for only 4.4% of the variation in blood nicotine concentrations.
* The correlation between COhb concentration and cigarette consumption was also low, suggesting that cigarette consumption accounted for only 9% of the variation in the amount of smoke taken into the smoker's lungs.
* The findings suggest that the assumed health advantage of switching to lower-tar and lower-nicotine cigarettes may be largely offset by the tendency of smokers to compensate by increasing inhalation.
* The results also suggest that the findings of epidemiological studies showing lower risks with filter-tipped cigarettes may be attributable to other factors such as biases in samples and changes in the quality and carcinogenicity of tobacco tar, rather than reduced tar intake.

Main Message:
The study's main message is that there is no significant difference in blood nicotine concentrations in smokers of cigarettes with varying nicotine yields. The study also highlights that the assumed health advantage of switching to lower-tar and lower-nicotine cigarettes may be largely offset by the tendency of smokers to compensate by increasing inhalation. The findings suggest that other factors, such as biases in samples and changes in the quality and carcinogenicity of tobacco tar, may play a more significant role in the lower risks associated with filter-tipped cigarettes. The study emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the relationship between cigarette design, smoking behavior, and health outcomes.

Russell, M a, M Jarvis, R Iyer, and C Feyerabend. “Relation of Nicotine Yield of Cigarettes to Blood Nicotine Concentrations in Smokers.” BMJ 280, no. 6219 (april 5, 1980): 972–76. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.280.6219.972.