Electronic cigarette at the gym? Understand the health risks of a “vitamin” device

Electronic cigarette at the gym? Understand the health risks of a “vitamin” device

A video circulating on the internet promotes a pod, a type of electronic smoking device supposedly intended to increase disposition and performance in physical activities.

According to the advertisement, the so-called Pod Iz is a nicotine-free vitamin concentrate whose nutrients are absorbed by the mucosa after steam inhalation.

Experts consulted by CNN warn that the use of products such as pods, vapes and e-cigarettes pose health risks .

“The problem with inhaled products is that they usually have a thinner that we do not know the effects of to the lung. THE lung mucosa is not made for absorption of these substances. The alveoli, which have a super sensitive structure, were made to do gas exchange. The capillary alveolus and the interstitium, which is that layer that supports the capillary alveolus, are very delicate structures that are not designed for smoke absorption much less any supplement dissolved in that smoke”, says pulmonologist André Nathan, from Hospital Sírio-Libanês, in São Paulo.

The advertisement was made available on the social network of a profile called “Iz Health Pod”. However, searches for the company’s pages on Tik Tok and Instagram did not return results this Tuesday (30). The Facebook page has a WhatsApp number for online purchases.

The product is sold online by “Nostro Fumo Curitiba”, trade name of the company CBAR Comércio de Produtos Alimentícios. THE CNN Contacted the company and waiting for a response.

“Here is the secret to maintaining high performance on a daily basis. With power, you guarantee the energy needed to perform the most varied tasks, without damage to health and with a citrus mint flavor that makes it even more delicious. Maintaining the intensity will make you have more productive days and, in the long run, realize that the advantages are even better. The Iz Pods are vitamin concentrates designed for day-to-day use in which there is no addition of nicotine and nutrient absorption is done through the mucosa and when inhaling the steam produced at low temperature – that is: several benefits in a single product”, says the advertising (look above ).

The pulmonologist at Hospital Sírio-Libanês states that the products are potentially dangerous even without the presence of nicotine .

“There is no work showing the safety and even effectiveness of these substances absorbed by the lung. Much less of the possible harmful effects. Therefore, even though they do not contain nicotine, these products are potentially dangerous . The problem with nicotine is that when you come into contact with the substance, when you absorb it, you become addicted. These substances that don’t have nicotine may not make you addicted but still you are exposing the cells and mucosa of the lung which is extremely delicate, the substances and vapors that we do not know the safety “, alert.

The expert advises that one of the healthy ways to enhance physical exercise is to maintain a healthy diet.

“It makes no sense for you to want to inhale vitamins if you can eat healthy. You can consult a nutritionist, nutritionist or clinician to assess whether there is any need for clinical supplementation, but this is generally not necessary. So, the point is a healthy diet, we already have enough vitamins, mineral salts or any other type of energetic substance that our body needs, so it doesn’t make sense to stop eating right and try to supplement it through the surface of the lung” , highlights.

The practicality and technological appearance of the electronic cigarette has been attractive especially among young people. However, e-cigarettes can cause consequences as harmful as regular cigarettes, including lung and cardiovascular disease and cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), electronic devices are not safe and contain toxic substances in addition to nicotine. Electronic cigarettes can cause respiratory diseases such as pulmonary emphysema, cardiovascular diseases, dermatitis and cancer.

“It has substances that act on brain tissue, one of which also ends up being nicotine, among others. We know that when you interfere with the functioning of synapses, which are communications that exist between neurons, you can trigger a certain release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and, with that, you have a pleasant sensation at that moment”, says neurosurgeon Fernando Gomes, professor at the Hospital das Clínicas in São Paulo.

Prohibition by Anvisa

The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) formally prohibits the trade and import of any electronic smoking device, popularly known as electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, e-ciggy and ecigar, among others.

The ban particularly affects products that are presented as an alternative to smoking cessation. Electronic cigarettes have never been registered in the country.

In 2022, after a public consultation, which included the participation of consumer protection bodies, Anvisa decided to ban the product. The measure also covers accessories and refills intended for use in devices, as well as advertising, publicity and promotion, including on the Internet, of these products.

Source: CNN Brasil