Nicotine absorption from electronic cigarette use: comparison between first and new-generation devices

Abstract

A wide range of electronic cigarette (EC) devices, from small cigarette-like (first-generation) to new-generation high-capacity batteries with electronic circuits that provide high energy to a refillable atomizer, are available for smokers to substitute smoking. Nicotine delivery to the bloodstream is important in determining the addictiveness of ECs, but also their efficacy as smoking substitutes. In this study, plasma nicotine levels were measured in experienced users using a first- vs. new-generation EC device for 1 hour with an 18 mg/ml nicotine-containing liquid. Plasma nicotine levels were higher by 35-72% when using the new- compared to the first-generation device. Compared to smoking one tobacco cigarette, the EC devices and liquid used in this study delivered one-third to one-fourth the amount of nicotine after 5 minutes of use. New-generation EC devices were more efficient in nicotine delivery, but still delivered nicotine much slower compared to tobacco cigarettes. The use of 18 mg/ml nicotine-concentration liquid probably compromises ECs' effectiveness as smoking substitutes; this study supports the need for higher levels of nicotine-containing liquids (approximately 50 mg/ml) in order to deliver nicotine more effectively and approach the nicotine-delivery profile of tobacco cigarettes.

Figure 1. Protocol and materials used in this study.

Figure 2. Plasma nicotine levels at baseline and at 5, 20, 35, 50 and 65 minutes after using the first- and the new-generation device.

Error bars represent 1 SEM. There was a statistically significant difference between devices at all timing points except from baseline.

Figure 3. Percent difference in plasma nicotine levels between first- and new-generation devices at each time point.

At 20 minutes, use of the new-generation device resulted in 71.6% higher plasma nicotine levels compared to the first-generation device. The difference was reduced in subsequent timing points but was still 49.0% at 65 minutes.

Figure 4. Comparison between tobacco cigarette and electronic cigarette devices in plasma nicotine levels.

Data for tobacco cigarette was derived from Vansickel et al. Nicotine levels after smoking a tobacco cigarette in 5 minutes (18.8 ng/ml) are 185% and 286% higher compared to using the first and new-generation electronic cigarette device respectively. Additionally, plasma nicotine levels after smoking one tobacco cigarette are almost equal to the values after using the new-generation device for 35 minutes (18.52 ng/ml), while they are 73% higher compared to the values after using the first-generation device for 35 minutes (10.88 ng/ml).