Biohackers Tout Nicotine for Longevity

A new trend sees Silicon Valley biohackers promoting nicotine, separate from smoking, as a tool for anti-aging and enhanced brain function. These proponents suggest that purified nicotine, delivered via patches or oral pouches, can sharpen focus, suppress appetite, and potentially extend lifespan.

This perspective emerges as sales of smoke-free nicotine products, such as oral pouches, reached £200 million last year and are projected for significant annual growth. A niche market for 'longevity nicotine' is now targeting non-smokers seeking optimization.

While some scientific studies suggest short-term cognitive benefits, like improved attention, and potential long-term effects such as a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease, experts urge caution. They emphasize the lack of understanding regarding long-term nicotine use in non-smokers, citing risks like increased heart rate, cardiovascular damage, and addiction.

Critics argue that promoting nicotine as beneficial is a dangerous reframing of an addictive substance with known risks. They point out that potential cognitive advantages for non-smokers are likely transient and overshadowed by the risks of addiction and withdrawal, stressing that no nicotine level is universally low-risk.