Tobacco Products’ Beneficial Antioxidant Properties

 

A PubMed search reveals thousands of articles on the myriad toxic chemicals present in tobacco products and smoke, but reports of health-positive tobacco attributes are rare.

In a 2000 study I co-authored with Boxin Ou of Brunswick Laboratories, we demonstrated that “manufactured tobacco products…have antioxidant capacity in moderate to high concentrations.  If these agents prove to be readily available and as easily absorbed from tobacco as nicotine, they may have demonstrable local and systemic health effects that are positive, especially for SLT users.”  The article is available here.

In our introduction, Dr. Ou and I explained why this project was important for understanding tobacco-related diseases: “The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [i.e., the bad actors] alters essentially all types of biomolecules. The subsequent cellular changes induced by these reactive species are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis.

“The consumption of fruits and vegetables is negatively correlated with mortality from cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and this protection has been attributed to the antioxidant activity in these foods. The consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as specific foods with high antioxidant activity [i.e., anti-ROS, the good actors], results in increased plasma antioxidant capacity.

“Tobacco, consumed by 20 to 50% of the worldwide population, contains significant concentrations of polyphenols and carotenoids, which are important naturally occurring antioxidants. Cigarette smoking, the primary form of tobacco use in most societies, is correlate with low plasma antioxidant activity, a finding that may be related to the rich array of ROS that is created when tobacco is burned. Smokeless tobacco (SLT) products, in the form of chewing tobacco and moist snuff, present an alternative to tobacco combustion. SLT delivers nicotine almost as efficiently as smoking, but long-term use carries only 2% of the health risks of smoking…there is little information on the antioxidant properties of these products.”

We used a common tool called an ORAC assay to measure the antioxidant activity in tobacco products.  While we found that the highest antioxidant activity was in cigarette tobaccos, “It is known that tobacco combustion produces a chemical mix rich in ROS, and that smokers have low plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins, such as ascorbate, tocopherols and carotenoids.”

The situation is different among dippers and chewers.  They “have plasma levels of these vitamins that are similar to those of nonusers of tobacco.”  We postulated how these products’ antioxidant properties may produce positive effects: “One possible explanation for minimal cancer risk among human smokeless tobacco users and inconsistent experimental results among animal studies is that smokeless tobacco contains agents that inhibit carcinogenesis in vivo. Antioxidants present in these products remain excellent candidates for local inhibition of the effects of tobacco-specific nitrosamines [bad actors that can cause cancer] among smokeless users.”

Yes, that’s right: Tobacco products do have beneficial antioxidant properties. 

 

 

Nick Buonoconti Spoke Truth to Power on Smokeless Tobacco

Nick Buonoconti, a 15-year All-Pro NFL linebacker who contributed to the Miami Dolphins’s 1972 perfect season and Super Bowl win, died on July 31 at age 78, following a battle with dementia.  Buonoconti’s tenacity, dedication and intelligence made him an NFL star, despite the fact that scouts had considered him undersized.

Buonoconti found success well beyond football.  The new HBO documentary “The Many Lives of Nick Buonoconti,” describes his influential roles as lawyer, advocate and negotiator for pro athletes; NFL commentator; and dedicated fundraiser for the Miami Project, where he generated nearly $500 million for spinal injury research following his son’s catastrophic injury in a 1985 college football game. 

Buonoconti was also an unlikely hero for smokeless tobacco users.  According to Sports Illustrated, in the 1970s he started working with US Tobacco, the maker of Copenhagen and Skoal dip products.  In 1983, he became executive vice president for legal and federal affairs and public relations; two years later he was named president and chief operating officer.

As I noted previously, the campaign against smokeless tobacco started in 1981, with an article in the New England Journal of Medicine.  In February 1985, Buonoconti squared off with Ed Bradley on the influential news show “60 Minutes”.  The following exchange from that appearance appears at 24:35 in the HBO Buonoconti documentary:    

Ed Bradley: “The people who are dipping smokeless may think they are avoiding the dangers of tobacco by not smoking.  But there is substantial evidence that they’re not.”

Buonoconti: “The science as we know it today tells us that smokeless tobacco has never been scientifically established to cause any harm to humans.  That includes oral cancer.  There is no one saying it does cause a problem.”

Bradley: “The Surgeon General says it does.  The American Health Foundation says it does.”

Steve Croft, another “60 Minutes” correspondent, defends Buonoconti in the HBO documentary: “My feeling is he handled it very well, better than most CEOs that we interview and ask tough questions.”  However, the interview inaccurately and permanently stained Buonoconti as a tobacco industry shill.  He assumed that he had made a terrible mistake, noting, “I have to live with it.”

It turns out that Buonoconti was perfectly on target in challenging the bogus claim that dip and chew products cause mouth cancer.  Like everyone else, he was deceived by three decades of distorted research, exaggerated findings and unscrupulous campaigning by supposedly credible medical organizations.  His remarks proved prescient when a large 2016 federal study found no elevated risk for mouth cancer among American men who dip or chew tobacco.

HBO has done a public service in chronicling the many achievements of this multi-talented football legend.

Smokers: Step Away From the Fire With These Safer Cigarette Substitutes

Most cigarette smokers “say” they want to quit, but that is terribly misleading.  Most smokers answer yes to the quitting question because they know it’s the desired response.  In reality, the vast majority of smokers don’t quit in any given year.  All of them would welcome a healthier lifestyle, but they are unable or unwilling to abandon the immediate benefits of tobacco and nicotine, especially smoking.

If you smoke, here’s your guide to vastly safer substitutes that provide nicotine and tobacco satisfaction.

E-Cigarettes and Vape Products

The best harm reduction options for smokers unable or unwilling to give up nicotine and tobacco are e-cigarettes and vape products.  There are thousands of choices, reflecting the fact that they are the most popular – and most successful – quit-smoking aids. 

Vape Shops

Smokers can take the first step away from the fire by visiting local vape shops, which are often staffed by former smokers who are knowledgeable about your best options and dedicated to your success.  These shops sell popular products and also cater to vapers who want advanced hardware and special e-liquid flavors.  To locate nearby shops, check out Vaping 360’s online locator.  The Vapetrotter Directory is another valuable source.

For lots of factual information about e-cigarettes and vape products, visit the website operated by Consumer Advocates for Smoke Free Alternatives Association.  And for moral support, visit CASAA’s testimonials webpage containing thousands of success stories.

 

JUUL

JUUL has taken the vaping market by storm; it’s making cigarette manufacturers nervous, and for good reason.  JUUL pods contain a satisfying nicotine salt that won’t have you climbing the walls or kicking the dog because you don’t have the nicotine hit you need.  Additionally, the pods are inconspicuous, and easy to use and recharge. 

JUUL products are widely available, although the company is only selling tobacco and menthol flavors in convenience and other brick and mortar stores. Its popular flavors -- mango, cucumber, fruit, and crème – are available online.

Vuse

Vuse is another family of vaping products that are available in several hardware choices and a wide variety of flavors, including menthol, mint, mixed berry, melon, fruit-and-cream, chai, nectar, tropical fruit and classic tobacco. 

Vuse is available online and in stores nationwide.

Heat-Not-Burn Products

IQOS

The FDA recently approved the sale of IQOS heat-not-burn products in the U.S.  They are already available in over 30 other countries, and they have produced an unprecedented decline in cigarette consumption in Japan.  An FDA advisory committee in 2018 concluded that the products significantly reduce smokers’ exposure to toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke.  I believe IQOS products have the potential to compete with vapor products, as they deliver the tobacco flavor and satisfaction many smokers find lacking in e-cigarettes. 

The first U.S. test market for IQOS will be Atlanta, where it will be available at a dedicated Lenox Square store. 

Nicotine Pouches

            ZYN

ZYN is a discrete new pouch product from Sweden that contains no tobacco, just nicotine and flavor – spearmint, wintergreen, cool mint, coffee, cinnamon or peppermint.  Also note that there are two strengths, ZYN 3 and ZYN 6 (milligrams). 

Originally launched in Western states, ZYN is now available nationwide anywhere cigarettes are sold.  It’s also available from Northerner.com. 

On!

On! is another nicotine pouch made in Sweden, available in mint, wintergreen, cinnamon, berry, citrus and coffee flavors and in three strengths, 2, 4 and 8 milligrams.

These pouches have been in limited distribution here in the U.S., and they are also available at Northerner.com.  However, Altria has just bought a large share of the company, so look for these pouches soon in your local convenience store.

Smokeless Tobacco

Camel Snus

Camel Snus packets come in several flavors: mint, frost (spearmint) and winterchill (wintergreen).  If you prefer more tobacco flavor, try Robust or Mellow.  There are also two sizes, a slim version containing 0.6 gram of tobacco, and a larger pouch with 1.0 gram.  I suggest that smokers start with the small size of their favorite flavor.

Camel snus is available nationwide anywhere cigarettes are sold, and online at Northerner.com. 

Skoal Snus

Skoal Snus packets come in mint and smooth mint. 

You can find them nationwide in the smokeless tobacco section of convenience stores, and they are available at Northerner.com.

Skoal Bandits

In 1995, when conducting the first-ever smoking cessation clinical trial using smokeless tobacco (abstract here), my research group recommended that smokers switch to Skoal Bandits, the only widely available pouched smokeless tobacco product at that time.  They are still available nationwide in wintergreen and mint flavors.

Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist is the planet’s most discrete smokeless tobacco product.  It consists of mini-rolls of tobacco (smaller than a pencil eraser), which are made in Denmark by rolling whole tobacco leaves into a rope, which is then cut into small pieces.  Flavors include original (tobacco), wintergreen, sunberry and tropical.

Oliver Twist can be difficult to find.  Look for stores that sell premium cigars and pipe tobacco, or order it at Northerner.com.      

Helpful Tips:

First and foremost, place smokeless products inside your UPPER LIP.  That is the key to minimize tobacco juice and the need to spit.  At first it might feel like a cannonball, but it won't be noticeable.

There are many options, so don’t be discouraged if one product doesn’t fit your lifestyle or taste.

Whatever product you use, get your nicotine buzz, but don’t overdo it. When you inhale cigarette smoke, you get an immediate nicotine kick, and during your smoking career you learned to optimize your buzz. The effect from e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco may be different, but you’ll learn how to get a similar effect.

Stick to the switch. Although some smokers make the transition quickly, smoke-free tobacco products don’t automatically “cure” your desire for another cigarette. These products will make it easier to quit and they’ll make those cravings less intense, but they don’t entirely replace the smoking ritual. If you’ve smoked for years, breaking the habit can still be a challenge.

If your ultimate goal is complete nicotine and tobacco abstinence, stepping away from the fire is a critical first step.  Remember that it’s the smoke that kills, so becoming and staying smoke-free, not necessarily nicotine- or tobacco-free, is your first priority.  It’s the key to a longer and healthier life.