The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted marketing authorization for 20 different Zyn nicotine pouch products, allowing them to be marketed to adults aged 21 and over. This decision includes 10 flavors of Zyn pouches, opening the door for legal marketing within the United States. However, the authorization has sparked debate among public health officials and medical organizations about the potential risks associated with these products, particularly their appeal to young adults.
Public health organizations have voiced concerns that the flavors of the authorized Zyn products might attract young adults, despite being intended for those over 21. Nicotine pouches like Zyn are small, rectangular bags of powder placed between the lip and gums to deliver nicotine. While touted as a potential harm reduction tool for smokers, these pouches are not without risks, including nicotine addiction.
A recent National Youth Tobacco Survey in 2024 indicated that only 1.8% of middle and high school students in the U.S. reported using nicotine pouches. Despite this low percentage, concerns remain about their appeal to youth. Nicotine pouches contain varying amounts of nicotine, ranging from 1.79 to 47.5 mg, and a 2022 study in the journal Tobacco Control found that over half of sampled products contained cancer-causing chemicals known as tobacco-specific nitrosamines.
"Nicotine pouches are a relatively new category of tobacco products that are unique because they contain a crystallized nicotine powder instead of tobacco leaf," noted Tory Spindle.
This characteristic reportedly results in fewer harmful ingredients compared to traditional tobacco products.
"This means that they generally contain fewer harmful ingredients compared to traditional tobacco products," added Spindle.
Despite these potential benefits, the FDA's authorization does not equate to a blanket endorsement of safety. The FDA emphasized its intention to "closely monitor the marketing and use of these products," as per a statement released on January 16.
"In this case, the data show that these nicotine pouch products meet that bar by benefiting adults who use cigarettes and/or smokeless tobacco products and completely switch to these products," stated Matthew Farrelly.
The potential for harm reduction exists if smokers transition entirely to nicotine pouches, but the FDA's authorization does not suggest they are safe for young people. The FDA has clarified that these pouches are not "FDA approved" as drugs intended to treat disease would be. Public health experts continue to express skepticism about potential youth appeal.
"While it has not been sold in the U.S. for long, we are already seeing very concerning levels of youth use [of Zyn], and troubling use of influencers and celebrities to promote the product," expressed the American Lung Association.
Additionally, a study published in JAMA in 2024 highlighted a dramatic increase in sales of nicotine pouches in the U.S., noting a 641% rise between 2019 and 2022. Despite this surge, only 2.9% of adults aged 18 and over reported ever using nicotine pouches.
"Nicotine pouches are a viable harm reduction option for people who switch over completely from conventional tobacco products," stated a scientific review published in 2024 in the journal Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology.
The review suggested that more research is needed to determine whether nicotine pouches could effectively help smokers quit.
"In this case, such a trial would likely involve a large group of people who currently smoke, a percentage of whom would be given nicotine pouches to see whether they're more likely to quit than people given a different intervention or nothing at all," noted one study.
Critics argue that while nicotine pouches may contain fewer harmful substances than traditional cigarettes or smokeless tobacco, they still pose significant health risks. Tory Spindle emphasized this point:
"They do still contain nicotine which is an addictive substance as well as other substances such as flavorants."
The FDA's decision has been met with criticism from public health advocates who worry about the potential normalization of nicotine use among younger populations. The allure of flavored products combined with aggressive marketing strategies could undermine efforts to reduce tobacco use among youth.
The FDA's position reflects cautious optimism regarding nicotine pouches as a harm reduction tool for adult smokers. However, it also underscores the need for continued vigilance in monitoring their marketing and consumption patterns. The agency acknowledges that while these products might offer a less harmful alternative for current smokers, they are not devoid of risk.
