The Science Behind Nicotine Absorption in Pouches

Nathan Chilcott

Astuces professionnelles

Nicotine pouches are small, easy to insert into your gums and, as you’ll know if you already use them, they give a fantastic zingy feeling. That’s the nicotine being released and then absorbed into your bloodstream.

If you’re new to it, you’ll quickly get used to the feeling and will probably like it. As a bonus, you’ll still be enjoying nicotine but you won’t have the downsides associated with tobacco.

Let’s take a look at the science behind nicotine absorption.

How Absorption Takes Place

Nicotine pouches are designed to release the nicotine directly into your mouth. It’s a process known as oral absorption and it’s extremely effective. That’s why so many medications are held in the mouth.

Your mouth has hundreds of blood vessels running through it. This is partly due to the fact there is a large surface area inside your mouth. Each of these blood vessels is surprisingly close to the surface. Once the nicotine gets into these blood vessels it can quickly be dispersed across your body.

The real magic is in how quickly the nicotine can be absorbed into your body, specifically into the bloodstream. It’s all due to the oral mucosa.

It’s easiest to imagine this as a moist tissue, ready to absorb anything that comes into contact with it.

Nicotine pouches are placed between your lip and your gum. It’s a warm, moist place in direct contact with the oral mucosa. Pouch science dictates that moisture triggers the release of nicotine from the pouch.

As soon as the nicotine comes into contact with the mucous membrane it will start to be absorbed and you’ll quickly feel the effects.

How Long Does It Take To Absorb Nicotine From Pouches?

The exact amount of nicotine release time will depend on your preferred brand of pouch. Manufacturers generally design pouches to either give an almost instant strong hit, or to take effect a little slower with a milder hit.

"Milder may take longer to be felt but you’ll also feel it for longer."

In most cases, you’ll start feeling the delightful tingle within five minutes of putting the pouch in your mouth. You’re likely to notice the effects of the nicotine within five to ten minutes and that delightful sensation can continue for anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes.

All you have to do is decide when you’ve had enough or the pouch is finished and remove it.

How Nicotine Pouches Release Nicotine

Of course, oral administration is only an effective option because nicotine pouches are designed to release their contents within the warm and moist environment of your mouth.

The science behind this is simple. You’ll notice the outer layer of your pouch is soft. That ensures its comfortable. But, that’s only part of the reason it is soft, it’s a by-product of being made from plants. The moisture in your mouth softens the plant fibres, encouraging them to release the compounds mixed into them. In this case, its nicotine.

Summing Up

Science is marvellous. By understanding how efficient the mouth is at absorbing substances, and by knowing how to create a pouch which releases nicotine into your mouth, you get an almost instant nicotine hit.

It’s much simpler than traditional tobacco options as the nicotine goes straight into your bloodstream, it doesn’t need to go through your lungs or digestive system first.

In short, the science really works in your favour.