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Review
. 2025 May 19;38(5):747-758.
doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00550. Epub 2025 Apr 15.

Sugars in Tobacco Products: Toxicity Research and Implications for Tobacco Product Regulation

Irina Stepanov  1   2 , Micah Berman  3 , Marielle C Brinkman  4   5 , Alex Carll  6 , Vernat Exil  7 , Eleanore G Hansen  2 , Ahmad El Hellani  5   8 , Sairam V Jabba  9   10 , Nada O F Kassem  11   12 , Mary Rezk-Hanna  13 , Reinskje Talhout  14 , Andrea M Stroup  15
Affiliations
Review

Sugars in Tobacco Products: Toxicity Research and Implications for Tobacco Product Regulation

Irina Stepanov et al. Chem Res Toxicol. .

Abstract

Sugars are naturally present in tobacco plants and are introduced as additives during the manufacturing of various tobacco- and nicotine-containing products. Product palatability and appeal are the primary reasons for manufacturers' attention to the sugar content in tobacco and nicotine products. However, because of the complex chemistry of sugars and their thermal decomposition, these versatile constituents are also contributing to the toxicity profile of tobacco and nicotine products. Using published empirical data, this non-systematic review summarizes the state of knowledge on the toxicologically relevant chemical transformations of sugars and artificial sweeteners in tobacco and nicotine products, including waterpipe tobacco, combustible and electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and smokeless tobacco, and available research on the associated health effects of sugar-derived toxicants. Implications of sugar and sweetener content for abuse liability of various tobacco products are also discussed. Based on the findings of this review, research gaps are identified and policy recommendations are made for regulating sugars and artificial sweeteners in tobacco and nicotine products, including adding sugars and artificial sweeteners to the list of harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs).

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Total sugar content in the U.S.-marketed cigarettes, little cigars, and cigarillos.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Spectrum of relevant temperature ranges that produce harmful constituents from various sugars and sweeteners.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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