New research from the University of Stirling in Scotland published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research raised the possibility that e-cigarettes may one day be used as a weight management tool for smokers who want to quit cigarettes.
Is Vaping Really the Answer to the Obesity Crisis?
Well, no, not really, say the researchers. In their report, they made it clear that non-smokers should not use e-cigarettes for weight management. However, those who do smoke and want to quit without gaining weight might benefit from using e-cigarettes in this capacity.
One reason many smokers don’t want to quit cigarettes is because nicotine helps them control their weight by inhibiting their appetite. In comparison, scientists involved in the study identified two ways vaping could help with weight loss: food flavored e-juices that curb cravings and the hand-to-mouth action that mimics the motion of eating.
Professor Linda Bauld said, “Our health care systems are currently struggling to cope with caring for people with chronic conditions caused by obesity and smoking. Even controversial approaches that could contribute to current efforts to address this are worth investigating.”
Food Flavored E-Juices May Prevent Cravings
The University of Stirling scientists found that food-flavored e-liquids may satisfy cravings without the extra calories. Professor Bernhard Breier says more research is needed, but “investigating how taste and aroma enhance satiation will support the development of flavors that induce or increase the feeling of satiation while reducing food intake.”
But Are Food Flavored E-Juices Safe?
Experts caution that not all food flavored e-juices are safe. Just because it is safe to eat doesn’t mean it’s safe to inhale.
The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association warns that their safety evaluations are limited to the use of flavorings in food and not in e-cigarettes or e-liquids. So, relying upon their standard of “generally recognized as safe” is not a good idea when evaluating which flavors to add to e-liquids.
In fact, over two-thirds of all e-liquids that were sampled by a research team in 2014 found diacetyl. Diacetyl is a buttery-flavoring used on popcorn that is safe when ingested, but not when it is heated and inhaled. When inhaled, it has been known to cause ‘popcorn lung,’ a severe and irreversible obstructive lung disease. Though some e-cigarette and e-liquid manufacturers have stopped using diacetyl in their products, there are dozens of other flavoring ingredients which may cause harm when inhaled:
- Acetoin
- Acetyl Propionyl
- Coumarin
- Acetic Acid
- Oil-Based Flavors
- Vanillin
- Food Colors
Because these ingredients are safe when ingested, the Food and Drug Administration has not banned them from being used for public consumption. When vaporized, though, these substances can be harmful. Presently, there is no organization responsible for regulating the safety of flavors in inhaled products.
Why E-Liquid Manufacturers Need Liability Insurance for Food Flavored E-Juices
E-liquid manufacturers should look at the ingredients of the e-liquids they sell and consult with an experienced scientist who understands how food compounds convert into vapor.
To protect your e-cigarette and e-liquid company from liability lawsuits related to unsafe food-flavorings, you should carry liability insurance. VAPE is one of the only insurance companies that offer affordable and comprehensive vape product liability insurance.
If you’d like to know more, please call VAPE at 866-395-1308.