The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a significant step in the evolving landscape of tobacco harm reduction by authorizing the marketing of 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products. The agency released this decision following comprehensive scientific review under the PMTA pathway, marking the first time FDA has authorized nicotine pouches. This move, while bringing to light debates concerning public health, could fundamentally shape the future of nicotine consumption and alternatives to tobacco use in the United States.

ZYN nicotine pouches are innovative products designed as alternatives to traditional tobacco. Unlike cigarettes or smokeless tobacco, these small synthetic fiber pouches contain nicotine but no tobacco. Users place them between the gum and lip, where nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream. Available in various flavors, including cinnamon, citrus, and cool mint, ZYN offers two nicotine strengths- 3 milligrams and 6 milligrams.

This new product category targets adult smokers who would like to switch to less harmful alternatives compared to traditional tobacco. FDA's authorization marks a landmark moment for this emerging segment of the tobacco market in the United States.

Why Did the FDA Approve ZYN?

The FDA decision anchors from the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009, which obligates all new tobacco products to comply with strong public health standards. The agency review found that the ZYN pouches involve substantially lower risks compared to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, such as snuff or snus.

The pouches contain far fewer harmful constituents associated with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In addition, studies submitted by the manufacturer showed that many adult smokers and users of smokeless tobacco switched entirely to ZYN, indicating its potential as a harm-reduction tool.

"These nicotine pouch products meet that bar by benefiting adults who use cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products," said Matthew Farrelly, Ph.D., director of the FDA's Office of Science at the Center for Tobacco Products.

How This Will Help Manage Youth Tobacco Use?

This is a clear FDA warning: ZYN is not risk-free, nor is it "FDA-approved." Although the agency said that low use levels of nicotine pouches among youths remain at 1.8% of middle and high school students in the United States who reported using any tobacco product, according to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, the agency emphasized preventing youth exposure.

The FDA did this by applying stringent marketing restrictions, including the following:

- Ban mass-market advertising on TV and radio.

- Require actors/models in ads to appear at least 35 years old.

- Avoid themes, characters, or imagery appealing to youth.

The agency will also closely monitor marketing practices and suspend or withdraw authorizations if products no longer meet public health standards.

ZYN pouches don't contain any tar and the carcinogenic chemicals present in cigarette smoke and in the majority of smokeless tobacco products. Unlike snus, a popular form of pasteurized tobacco widely used in Scandinavian countries, ZYN contains no tobacco at all. In fact, that positions it like the nicotine gum or lozenge, releasing controlled doses of nicotine to eliminate craving.

For decades, tobacco companies have been looking for alternatives to traditional cigarettes, as smoking rates in the U.S. and around the world have declined. E-cigarettes became popular in the early 2010s but were later criticized for underage vaping. ZYN nicotine pouches could be a safer alternative, but critics fear they may follow the same path if youth use increases.

ZYN, marketed by Philip Morris International acquisition target Swedish Match through 2022 for a cost of $16 billion. While Philip Morris invests massively into nicotine pouches, huge demand from customers bolsters the business segment in the most phenomenal way in U.S. tobacco. Already nicotine pouches emerge as a pace-setter that could set to be at the core of industry's future prospects.

Also Read: 3 Science-Backed Methods To Quit Smoking For Good

However, controversies run rampant in the history of tobacco alternatives. For example, e-cigarette giant Juul Labs was sued for marketing to minors, settling in 2023 for $462 million without admitting wrongdoing. Critics are now beginning to scrutinize ZYN flavored products, including citrus and peppermint, arguing they may attract younger users.

That benefit, however – the FDA seems poised to acknowledge adult smokers will use nicotine pouches – underscores much-needed responsible marketing and rigorous oversight. Public health advocates caution, however, there is no such thing as winning when it has to be over youth uptake first and close to long-term effects on health.

Supporters say that ZYN is a genuine substitute for smokers looking to quit or reduce their reliance on devastating tobacco products. Indeed, as Brian King, Ph.D., FDA's Center for Tobacco Products director, noted, "It is imperative that the maker of these products does so responsibly so that youth will not take up their use".

The FDA's approval of ZYN nicotine pouches is part of a larger effort to regulate and innovate within the tobacco industry. Over the past decade, the agency has received applications for nearly 27 million products, authorizing only those that meet rigorous health standards.

This also goes with recent suggestions to limit nicotine content in cigarettes, marking a step toward harm reduction and prioritization of public health. However, challenges remain, but the ZYN authorization is reflective of a growing recognition of alternative nicotine products' role in reducing tobacco-related disease and mortality.

The FDA's approval of ZYN nicotine pouches marks a turning point in tobacco harm reduction. As a less harmful alternative to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, ZYN has the potential to benefit adult smokers while reducing risks to public health. However, the success of this initiative will depend on strict regulatory oversight, responsible marketing, and continued vigilance against youth use.

Effective Tips for Quitting Smoking

Smoking cessation is one of the best heart-healthy lifestyle choices you could ever make and minimize the risk for developing conditions like A-Fib. While quitting smoking might not be an easy task, its benefits can be felt at once and significantly. Here is how to quit smoking successfully.

1. Decide on a quit date

Set a quit date and be firm about it. This will give you ample time to mentally and physically prepare for the transition.

2. Build a Support System

Share your decision with your family, friends, or support group. This will make it easier for you because you have people to motivate and hold you accountable.

3. Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Consider using nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

4. Identify and Avoid Triggers

Identify situations or emotions that make you want to smoke, such as stress, boredom, or social settings. Develop healthy coping strategies, like journaling or engaging in a hobby, to navigate these triggers.

5. Stay Active

Engage in regular exercise. Exercise not only diverts your mind from excessive hunger and craving but also improves moods and overall well-being.

6. Keep Hydrated

Drinking water will help to flush out nicotine from your system, and the level of your craving will decrease.

7. Stress Management

People often smoke when their stress is too high. Try to engage in some relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

Tobacco Product Use Among Middle and High School Students — National Youth Tobacco Survey, United States, 2024

E-Cigarette and Nicotine Pouch Use Among Middle and High School Students — United States, 2024

Whooping cough is making an alarming comeback in the United States, with cases spiking to their highest level in over a decade. As of mid-December, preliminary data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals more than 32,000 cases of pertussis reported nationwide—nearly six times higher than the same period last year. The outbreak is causing alarm among health authorities as the highly contagious bacterial disease, once largely subdued by vaccination, returns with vigor.

Often mistaken in its early phases for a common cold, whooping cough may progress to bout after bout of violent coughing that induces vomiting, broken ribs, and an iconic gasping "whoop" for air. The illness can persist for weeks or even months, and sometimes individuals unknowingly spread it. With rising transmission and infants being particularly susceptible, the surge is also triggering new concerns about vaccine resistance and routine immunization coverage gaps.

Two infants in Louisiana have died of pertussis—also known as whooping cough—making it the first such deaths in the state since 2018. These fatalities are part of an overall national increase in cases of pertussis, triggering fresh alarm among pediatric professionals and public health officials about declining rates of vaccination and waning immunity.

Pertussis is a highly infectious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. It is identified by persistent fits of coughing that usually culminate in a characteristic "whooping" sound as the patient struggles to catch his or her breath. Though the disease infects individuals of all ages, it is particularly hazardous for babies too young to be vaccinated.

For babies, it's actually pretty scary," CNN quoted Dr. John Schieffelin, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Tulane University.

“They’re just coughing so much, they can’t eat, they can’t drink, and they often get pneumonia, which means we have to put them on a ventilator… they just never stop coughing.” With two decades of experience in pediatric infectious diseases, Dr. Schieffelin asserts that no other illness compares to the suffering pertussis causes in the youngest patients. Surging Numbers: The Return of a Supposedly Controlled Disease

Louisiana reported 110 cases of pertussis through the first quarter of 2025 alone, almost reaching the total 154 cases for the entire year 2024. National trends have an even more ominous course. In 2024, the United States had more than 35,000 cases of pertussis—its highest rate in more than a decade—that resulted in 10 deaths, six of whom were infants younger than one year.

This year, 2025, is looking to be even worse, with already 6,600 cases reported—almost four times the number reported at this time last year.

The United States previously reported over 200,000 cases of whooping cough per year prior to the availability of the pertussis vaccine. As the DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) became widespread during the late 1940s, illness plummeted. Pertussis started seeping back into the United States in the 1980s due to enhanced surveillance and declining vaccine-induced immunity.

The CDC advises a five-dose series of the DTaP vaccine in children, starting at two months of age and continuing up to age six. Teenagers should have a booster (Tdap) between ages 11 and 12, and adults are encouraged to receive a Tdap booster every 10 years.

For newborns too young to be vaccinated, maternal immunization during the third trimester of pregnancy is crucial. This practice offers passive immunity to the infant, avertinh 78% of cases and decreasing the hazard of hospitalization by 91%, states the CDC. A second protective method is "cocooning," in which all members of the household are vaccinated to protect the infant from transmission.

The increase in cases of pertussis has come at the same time as a troubling drop in childhood vaccination coverage. The rate of US kindergartners vaccinated with the DTaP series has fallen steadily over the last five years, leaving thousands at risk.

In Louisiana, where the latest infant deaths occurred, access to healthcare is another pressing challenge. “Especially in a state like Louisiana, we’ve got a lot of poverty. We’ve got a lot of rural populations, and not everyone has access to regular medical care,” said Dr. Jennifer Herricks, founder of the nonprofit Louisiana Families for Vaccines.

Dr. Herricks and other health advocates contend that such systemic obstacles, combined with increasing vaccine reluctance, render state efforts to encourage immunization all the more vital. But in a contentious decision, the Louisiana Department of Health recently stated it would no longer encourage mass vaccination at community events and health fairs.

In a memo, Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham made clear that although the state still supports routine childhood immunizations, it will no longer encourage seasonal vaccines like COVID-19 and flu at mass clinics. But some local health officials are concerned this change in approach sends a confusing message.

"When you cast dispersions or make a question regarding the safety and effectiveness of a single vaccine, I think that it actually ends up having this ripple effect across all vaccines," said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, Health Department Director for New Orleans. Although she lauded the recent messaging by the Department of Health regarding pertussis, she wondered if outreach was sufficient. "It's perhaps too little, too late."

While the country grapples with this comeback, experts emphasize that vaccination is the best means to avoid pertussis outbreaks and save lives—particularly among the most vulnerable. Beyond early childhood immunizations, adult booster doses and maternal vaccination during pregnancy are key measures.

Dr. Schieffelin stresses the importance of communities coming together to work toward the protection of infants. "We have to think not just about ourselves, but about the people around us—particularly babies who can't yet get vaccinated. That's what community immunity is all about."

With over 6,000 cases already this year and numbers rising, the stakes are high. Public health officials, parents, and policymakers all must move quickly to rebuild trust in vaccines, increase access to care, and protect future generations from this preventable and fatal disease.

Women are frequently overmedicated, which leads to an increased risk of adverse side effects, a recent study conducted by scientists from the University of Chicago and the University of California discovered. This discrepancy arises because drug dosages are typically based on trials conducted predominantly on male subjects. "Drugs are optimized from the beginning to work on male bodies," explained Professor Brian Prendergast, a psychologist at the University of Chicago and co-author of the study. He also added that there was a need to immediately reevaluate the widespread practice of prescribing the same doses to men and women.

Side-Effects Range From Nausea To Seizures

It has long been recognized by scientists and medical professionals that women experience more side effects from medications than men, even when doses are adjusted for body weight. These side effects can range from mild symptoms such as headaches and nausea to more severe reactions like bleeding and seizures. Historically, women were excluded from clinical drug trials due to the mistaken belief that hormonal fluctuations would distort test results.

'Biomedical Science Is Done On Men, By Men'

"For much of the time it’s been practiced, biomedical science has been done by men, on men," said Prendergast. "It even starts in the petri dish: Most cell lines used in early tests are male, and then drugs are tested on male lab animals."

It is pertinent to note that since 1993, the National Institutes of Health has mandated the inclusion of both men and women in clinical trials, with stricter enforcement following a pivotal 2014 study co-authored by Prendergast. That study demonstrated that hormonal cycles in female mice did not interfere with drug testing outcomes.

Despite these regulations, women remain underrepresented in many drug trials, and studies that do include them often fail to analyze or publish sex-specific data. Moreover, numerous medications approved before the 1993 mandate remain in use without adjustments for sex-based differences in drug metabolism.

Study Identifies 86 Drugs With Sex Difference

The study was published on June 5 in the journal Biology of Sex Differences. For the trials, Prendergast and co-author Irving Zucker of UC Berkeley analyzed publicly available data from clinical drug studies. They identified 86 drugs that exhibited clear sex differences in metabolism. The findings revealed that women metabolize nearly all these drugs more slowly than men, resulting in prolonged exposure and, in 96% of cases, significantly higher rates of adverse side effects.

The medications examined include widely used drugs such as aspirin, morphine, and heparin, along with common antidepressants like sertraline and bupropion.

While every individual metabolizes medications differently, women generally retain drugs in their bloodstream and tissues longer than men. The liver and kidneys also process drugs at varying rates between sexes, an effect that persists even when dosage is adjusted for body weight.

“The reasons for these big differences are not fully understood, but this is a really striking result and a wake-up call,” Prendergast stated.

Study Proposes Several Recommendations

To address this issue, the study’s authors propose several recommendations. They advocate for the FDA to disclose the gender composition of study participants in clinical trial data, label drugs known to have sex-based metabolic differences, and ensure that this information is integrated into medical education.

"There are a lot of drugs that are prescribed on a ‘one-size-fits-all’ basis, and it’s clear that this doesn’t always work," Prendergast emphasized. "Especially for drugs that we already know have a wide therapeutic range—meaning a broad range of doses can be effective—we could do a much better job of adjusting dosages based on sex."

This approach would involve starting women on lower doses and gradually increasing the amount until achieving optimal efficacy with minimal side effects. "We have an opportunity to do this better," Prendergast concluded. "This information needs to be widely available."

Eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet can prove to be a magic bullet for your health and well-being, including reproductive health. Certain foods, such as spinach, carrots, and avocados, contain key nutrients that contribute to improved blood flow and hormone balance.

The foods you consume provide essential nutrients that fuel the body, including sexual organs. Some studies suggest that maintaining a well-balanced diet may help reduce the likelihood of erectile dysfunction. Below are eight foods that may support sexual health and testosterone levels.

Fruits & Vegetables That Can Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

1. Spinach

Spinach is a rich source of folate, a nutrient known to enhance blood circulation. Folic acid plays a crucial role in male sexual function, and low levels have been linked to erectile dysfunction. A cup (240 grams) of boiled spinach provides 66% of the daily recommended intake of folate. Additionally, spinach contains magnesium, which promotes blood flow and may reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.

2. Caffeine

Caffeine may have a role in preventing erectile dysfunction, though research findings are mixed. A 2014 study involving over 3,000 men found that those with a higher caffeine intake (85 to 300 mg per day) reported fewer instances of erectile dysfunction. However, a 2024 review of studies involving more than 51,000 men did not establish a significant link between caffeine consumption and erectile dysfunction.

3. Apples

Apples are high in flavonoids, natural plant compounds that offer various health benefits. A 2016 review identified apples as a top source of flavonoids such as anthocyanins, flavones, and flavanones. Increased consumption of these compounds was linked to a 19% lower risk of erectile dysfunction. Additionally, apple peels contain ursolic acid, which has shown potential in inhibiting prostate cancer cell growth.

4. Avocados

Avocados have long been associated with fertility and sexual health. They are rich in vitamin E and zinc, both of which contribute to sperm quality and testosterone production. A 2024 review suggests that avocados may enhance sexual duration, reduce premature ejaculation, increase attraction, and improve overall sexual satisfaction.

5. Chile Peppers

A 2015 study found that men who preferred spicier foods had higher testosterone levels in their saliva. While this does not confirm that spicy foods directly boost testosterone, the compound capsaicin found in hot peppers may have benefits. A 2013 study suggested that capsaicin stimulates pleasure centers in the brain, potentially enhancing mood and serving as an aphrodisiac.

6. Carrots

Carrots contain carotenoids, which may help improve testosterone production, sperm count, and sperm motility. Given that low testosterone levels are linked to erectile dysfunction, consuming carrots may help manage hormone levels.

7. Oats

Oats contain L-arginine, an amino acid that helps relax blood vessels, potentially improving blood flow to the penis. Some studies suggest L-arginine may aid in treating erectile dysfunction and boosting testosterone levels. Additionally, oats have been classified as an aphrodisiac that may enhance libido.

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, including lycopene, which may support sexual and reproductive health. A 2024 review found that individuals with lower lycopene intake had a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. Tomatoes are also rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, which may reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. A 2017 study involving men with infertility suggested that consuming tomato juice for 12 weeks improved sperm motility.

Can Diet Alone Cure Erectile Dysfunction?

While there is limited research on whether diet alone can reverse erectile dysfunction, a 2020 review found that following a Mediterranean diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats—may help prevent the condition.