The aromas reinforce the attraction for the electronic cigarette but not the acute nicotine intake

A study from the University of Pennsylvania sought to better understand the role of aromas and their influence on nicotine uptake.

To this end, the researchers carried out a pilot clinical study including 39 men aged 18 to 45, divided into 4 groups each consuming 4 different e-liquids: nicotine-chocolate (6 and 18 mg / ml), nicotine-cherry ( 6 and 18 mg / ml). After completing a questionnaire, the tested vapers vaped as much as they wanted for 10 minutes. They were led to note their impression from the 1st puff (bitter, sweet, fresh, pungent, irritating). After 10 minutes of vaping, they rated them on a hedonic scale to gauge their level of attraction to the liquid being tested. The results indicate that the more the taste is appreciated, the amount of liquid vaporized.

However, the amount of nicotine absorbed is not increased, which tends to confirm that the vaper regulates its need for nicotine on its own. However, it would have been interesting to also evaluate a flavorless e-liquid at different nicotine levels in order to assess the difference with a flavored liquid.

Harsh and sweet sensations predict acute liking of electronic cigarettes, but flavor does not affect acute nicotine intake: a pilot laboratory study in men. Allison N Baker & coll. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, ntaa209, https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntaa209