E-cigarettes are becoming extremely popular. Some experts predict that they will surpass combustible cigarette sales within the coming decade.
Public health experts have wondered whether this alternative form of nicotine delivery might offer smokers an easier way to quit. A small study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that this is not a likely scenario.
The investigators tracked 88 people who used regular cigarettes in addition to e-cigarettes. They were no more likely to quit than smokers who did not use e-cigs.
This preliminary study was a survey rather than a randomized controlled trial. Until such rigorous research is conducted we won’t know the benefits and risks of e-cigarettes for those who would like to quit smoking.
