New research suggests that the electric cigarette can be an effective smoking alternative.
In a study recently published in the British medical journal, BMJ,
researchers in New Zealand measured the effects of smoking an electric
cigarette both on the desire to smoke regular cigarettes and on
nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The performance of the e-cigarette
(loaded with 16 mg of nicotine) was measured against regular
cigarettes, a nicotine inhaler (also with 16mg of nicotine), and a
“placebo” ( an e-cig with an empty nicotine cartridge).
A group of 40 cigarette smokers used the devices after abstaining
for a night. Their craving relief was then rated throughout the day as
well as a series of subjective, smoking-related symptoms and overall
experience.
The researchers discovered that the 16mg e-cigarette significantly
reduced the desire to smoke and placated typical withdrawal symptoms,
such as irritability and lack of concentration, more then the placebo
e-cig. The product was also deemed more pleasant to use then the
inhaler and produced fewer unwanted side effects
