According to a randomized, double-blind study, menthol flavor and higher nicotine content provide the greatest satisfaction and craving reduction among smoking adults.
Researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind study examining the effects of different flavors (menthol, cherry, vanilla, and tobacco) and nicotine concentrations in 58 younger (21–34 years) and 63 older (35–50 years) smokers. Participants tested the flavors during four separate sessions following smoking abstinence using e-cigarettes containing 6 mg/ml or 18 mg/ml of freebase nicotine, while researchers evaluated reward, product appeal, sensory effects, and withdrawal symptoms.
Based on the results, flavors showed a significant main effect on reward (p = 0.02), with menthol receiving higher ratings than any other flavor while also providing a more intense cooling effect (p < 0.001). Age did not significantly influence the experience; however, menthol combined with higher nicotine levels resulted in significantly higher reward and appeal (p = 0.006). Additionally, with higher nicotine concentration, cravings for smoking decreased significantly faster (p = 0.003).
The study concludes that for adult smokers, menthol flavor—especially when combined with higher nicotine concentration—may play a much larger role in facilitating e-cigarette use and substituting for smoking than sweet or tobacco flavors.
In Brief
- A 121-person double-blind study analyzed the effects of menthol, cherry, vanilla, and tobacco flavors at 6 and 18 mg/ml nicotine levels.
- Menthol flavor combined with higher nicotine concentration provided significantly greater satisfaction and appeal p = 0.006.
- The higher, 18 mg/ml nicotine concentration was significantly more effective at alleviating the craving to smoke over time.
- Participants’ age did not influence the reward or appeal provided by the e-cigarettes.
Source: PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
This summary was created by artificial intelligence based on the original article.