Snus: Popular nicotine kick with dangerous consequences for athletes!

Snus: Popular nicotine kick with dangerous consequences for athletes!

In recent years, small nicotine pouches known as snus have come to the fore and are growing in popularity, particularly among teenagers and young adults. But while they are touted as a chic lifestyle product, their consumption comes with health risks and an increasing risk of addiction. According to reports from World The tragic incident of a rugby player suffering cardiac arrest after consuming snus has raised awareness of the potential dangers of this product.

The rediscovery of a Swedish cultural product that is over 100 years old has increased in recent years not only in Sweden, where snus is common to around 24% of men and 6% of women, but has also attracted international attention. In Swedish culture, snus is considered the successor to chewing tobacco, while in Germany the sale of snus with tobacco is officially banned. Report anyway Geo and other sources that snus is still sold over the counter even in Germany, with users exploiting the legal gray area.

Health risks and addiction

Health experts are sounding the alarm, warning about the high addictive potential of snus and the associated risks. A study by Loughborough University shows that around 20% of male professional footballers surveyed in England already consume snus. The nicotine content in a single snus bag could be up to four times as high as a Marlboro Red. The form of consumption - placing it between the upper lip and gums - means that nicotine quickly passes through the oral mucosa into the blood and causes different reactions in both newbies and regular users. While first-time users can experience a strong nicotine flash, long-term users satisfy their addiction in the short term.

The dangers are diverse: health risks are well documented, from sleep disorders and mental illnesses to an increased risk of heart attacks and type 2 diabetes. Snus also damages the gums, which can lead to cosmetic and health problems. An increased likelihood of certain types of cancer in the digestive system is also being considered, although the evidence is not yet clear. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people with existing cardiovascular diseases and young people are particularly at risk and should be excluded from risk prevention. Emphasized in this regard RND that nicotine consumption should be avoided at all costs for pregnant women.

The path of standardization

Despite the health risks, snus remains extremely popular among the younger generation. They are often supported by celebrities such as Ashton Kutcher and Brad Pitt and promoted via social media and streaming platforms. While in Sweden snus is seen as a factor in reducing the smoking rate - here only around 4.5% of the adult population smokes - the smoking rate in Germany is still around 20%. The ongoing discussion about the uncertain legal framework for snus in Germany raises questions: Is consumption acceptable in society if its sale is not legal?

In the EU, the sale of snus is officially only permitted in Sweden, which also makes the nation one of the few non-smoking nations.

Compared to alternatives such as certified nicotine replacement products, which are considered safer, snus poses numerous health risks. Medical professionals recommend using approved nicotine replacement products, such as gum and patches, to quit smoking habits rather than relying on another addictive product. But the trend, especially among younger generations, shows that the need for nicotine is difficult to stop.