Chemical in cigarettes ‘is present in a number of your favourite foods,’ say experts
Experts have revealed that nicotine, a chemical commonly associated with cigarettes, can also be found in several everyday foods. While nicotine is typically connected with smoking, it exists in various foods that people consume regularly. Markus Lindblad from Northerner stated that nicotine found in nightshade plants and other foods is often measured in micrograms (µg). To put this into perspective, one million µg equals one gram, indicating that the levels of nicotine in food are minimal. However, understanding where nicotine can be found is essential, especially for users of nicotine pouches and vapes.
Research by PMI Science has shown that individuals consume around 1,400 ng of nicotine daily through their regular diet. Surprisingly, this includes common foods like mashed potatoes or roast potatoes, which contain approximately 675 ng of nicotine. Additionally, vegetables such as aubergines, green peppers, and tomatoes also contain nicotine, with an average of around 332 ng each. In comparison, an average cigarette may contain about 12 mg of nicotine, which is 18,000 times more than what a potato contains.
Experts believe that becoming addicted to food due to nicotine is highly unlikely because the levels present in fruits, vegetables, and other foods are extremely low. The body easily digests the small concentrations of nicotine found in these foods as they pass through the intestines. In contrast, nicotine products like nicotine pouches have significantly higher amounts of nicotine that are absorbed into the bloodstream. PMI Science experts note that commercially available products such as cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapies, and smoke-free products contain levels of nicotine that can temporarily impact brain function in a reversible manner.
While nicotine’s presence in various foods may come as a surprise, experts reassure that the levels are too minimal to cause addiction. The research sheds light on the widespread existence of nicotine beyond cigarettes and highlights the importance of awareness regarding the chemical’s presence in everyday consumption.
This new understanding of nicotine in food opens up discussions about its implications on health and consumption habits. As researchers continue to delve into the various sources of nicotine in our diets, it prompts a reevaluation of the relationship between nicotine and food. It serves as a reminder that substances like nicotine can be present in unexpected places, shaping our perspective on what we consume daily.