Decryption of Zyn: a nicotine substitute booming in the United States…soon in France?
What is Zyn? Zyn is a product from Philip Morris International, consisting of an oral pouch that contains nicotine powder and flavors such as mint, coffee and citrus. This segment of nicotine pouches is experiencing rapid growth in the tobacco industry, which has sought for decades to compensate for declining cigarette sales. Although these pouches do not contain tobacco, they are regulated in the United States as tobacco products. Competitors, such as Altria, market similar products.
How nicotine pouches work: Users place the pouches between the lip and gums, gradually releasing small amounts of nicotine that are absorbed into the bloodstream. The absence of tobacco also means the absence of sputum, unlike more traditional products such as chewing tobacco.
Is Zyn healthier? All tobacco products pose health risks, with cigarettes being the most harmful. However, some products like snus, which are similar to Zyn but contain fermented tobacco, have been found to contain fewer carcinogens. Nicotine pouches, while a relatively new alternative, are considered by some researchers to be potentially less harmful than cigarettes, although they are not free of dangerous substances like ammonia and formaldehyde.
Popularity and regulation of Zyn: According to federal data, the use of these pouches by young people remains low, but their growing presence on social networks raises concerns. The FDA continues to monitor the use of these products by minors while reviewing Philip Morris' marketing application, submitted in 2020. The goal for a company is to demonstrate that the product can reduce illness in adult users without attract young people.
Using Zyn to Quit Smoking: Although Zyn is used by some as a smoking cessation aid, delivering nicotine gradually, research indicates that it may not be enough to completely supplant cigarettes. As of yet, no tobacco products, including Zyn, have been approved by the FDA in the US specifically to help smokers quit completely.