If you reach for an e-cigarette because you love the taste of fruit or mint, you might be making it harder to quit. New evidence suggests that flavors like sweet, fruity, and menthol are not just about taste. They actually increase how much nicotine people consume and how much they prefer these products.
This review of studies in both humans and animals shows that these flavors are linked to serious health issues. In humans, these flavored products are associated with respiratory symptoms, reduced lung function, and even DNA damage in oral cells. In animal models, the flavors were linked to inflammation, cellular damage, and changes in the cardiovascular system.
Beyond the physical damage, these flavors also appear to activate reward circuits in the brain. This makes the habit more addictive. While these findings show a strong link between flavors and harm, it is important to note that the human data shows associations rather than direct cause and effect. However, the evidence suggests these flavored products can be as harmful to health as traditional cigarettes.
