Trendy nicotine pouches: keep an eye on health risks and the risk of addiction!

The increasing popularity of nicotine pouches, also known as snus, particularly among young people, is causing concern. These products are available in different flavors and packaging, both with and without tobacco. Users, like Munich student Tobias, use snus to increase their concentration in stressful situations, such as during exams.

In addition to its use by individuals, snus is also frequently seen in hip-hop videos and is used in competitive sports. Nevertheless, Dr. Tobias Rüther, an addiction doctor, about the risk of addiction associated with the consumption of nicotine. What is particularly critical is the fact that tobacco-free nicotine pouches often have a high nicotine content, while the original snus contains tobacco.

Risks and warnings

Nicotine can increase blood pressure and cause health problems such as diabetes and cardiac arrhythmias. Attention is also drawn to possible inflammation in the oral cavity and tooth loss, which can be triggered by the consumption of nicotine pouches. In Sweden, for example, these products are legal and cigarette consumption is relatively low there.

In Germany, the sale of snus containing tobacco is banned, as is the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches, although these are easily available in gas stations, kiosks and online. Inquiries about nicotine pouch accidents in children have increased, with symptoms including nausea and vomiting. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture warns urgently about the high addictive potential of products containing nicotine. The tobacco industry association also calls for the controlled release of tobacco-free nicotine pouches.

The addictive risk of tobacco-free nicotine pouches is also supported by a study by the tobacco clinic at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich and the Federal Office for Risk Assessment (BfR), which examined the addictive potential and health effects of these products. These pouches contain powders of nicotine salts and carriers and can be placed discreetly under the upper lip, which could expand their circle of buyers. The study looked at different amounts of nicotine and found that these products can cause pathological reactions in the cardiovascular system due to the high nicotine release.

The increasing prevalence of nicotine pouches, as well as advertising on social media, is adding to the concern. In some neighboring countries, these products can already be found in schools. This raises fears that nicotine addiction will be promoted and new users will switch to consuming other nicotine products or tobacco cigarettes.