E-Cigarettes Can Help You Quit Smoking Says New Study

InnovationHealthcareE-Cigarettes Can Help You Quit Smoking Says New StudyByVictoria Forster,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Cancer biologist, patient engagement specialist, cancer survivorFollow AuthorMay 20, 2026, 09:53am EDTMay 20, 2026, 09:55am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Using e-cigarettes containing nicotine may help people give up smoking.gettyAdults who switched to nicotine-containing e-cigarettes were significantly more likely to quit smoking than those using nicotine-free versions, according to new research.The study published in JAMA Network Open followed 104 people who smoked daily and wanted to quit. Participants were split into two groups and were either given e-cigarettes (also commonly referred to as vapes) with, or without nicotine. Sixty-nine people completed the study, approximately equal numbers in the nicotine-free and nicotine-supplemented group. Participants assigned e-cigarettes with nicotine in them were three times more likely to quit smoking within six weeks than those given e-cigarettes without nicotine in them. Other than the nicotine content, the e-cigarettes were identical and study participants did not know which one they were given.“For people who smoke and haven’t been able to quit using approved medications, this research suggests that switching to a nicotine e-cigarette is associated with real reductions in harmful toxicant exposures and does support smoking cessation,” said Jessica Yingst, associate professor of public health sciences at Penn State College of Medicine and lead author of the work. ”That’s a meaningful finding for public health."The research looked specifically at pod-based salt-nicotine e-cigarettes. a popular type of product. The study also collected urine and blood samples from the participants to analyze biomarkers linked to exposure to toxic and cancer-causing chem...