‘Vitamin vape’? Understand the risks of e-cigarettes, banned by Anvisa

Sold on social media, the product has no scientific evidence of any health benefits

In recent weeks, social networks have viralized the advertising of a product that is sold as “healthy vape“. According to the company Iz Health, the electronic cigarette it would be different from other products because it does not contain nicotine, but vitamin concentrates. After the repercussions, the company’s profile was deleted from Instagram, but the products can still be found for purchase on websites.

The marketing and advertising of e-cigarettes is prohibited by National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). In a statement, the agency reiterated its ban on the product “regardless of its composition and purpose” and added that the “healthy vape” has no scientific evidence or regulation to circulate in the Brazilian market.

“No harm to health and flavored with citrus mint.” This is one of the descriptions made by the model while she was training in the gym in a video on social networks, adding that the product provides “high performance” and energy for everyday life.

Sales are divided into six flavors for different purposes, “Zen” for relaxation, “Restore” for rejuvenation, “Vital” for immunity, “Melatonin” for rest, “Power” for energy and “Boost ” for concentration. This is what the packaging of the vaporizer says, which is on the market for R$ 55.

The compositions vary, depending on the advertisements, from plants such as chamomile, passion flower, valerian root, to vitamins C, D3, B12, as well as other components such as caffeine and collagen. For the pulmonologist and coordinator of the Scientific Committee on Tobacco Brazilian Society of Pulmonology and Physiology (SBPT), Paulo Corrêa, there are no studies evaluating the safety of the process. “Inhaling substances is very different from passing the substance through the digestive tract.”

When comparing with other products, the doctor draws attention to substances that have already been tested in the inhalation mode, such as insulin, banned from sale because it causes pulmonary fibrosis. “Each of the substances there should be tested to see if it’s safe. It takes time,” he says. Furthermore, there is no evidence that there is actually absorption of nutrients through inhalation, as advertised.

oh no hello pic.twitter.com/S752d9XQek

— lucas sakamoto. (@Lucassakamotoo) January 29, 2023

In addition to the lack of scientific evidence regarding vitamins and other components, e-cigarettes are dangerous whether or not they contain nicotine. Metal spillage in the aerosol that occurs when using vaporizers is harmful to health.

One of the metals that can affect the body is nickel, which is at higher levels in e-cigarettes than regular cigarettes. The metal has already been linked to lung cancer and also to the sinuses.

Inflammation caused by e-cigarettes can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia and even respiratory failure. The products can also cause respiratory diseases, such as pulmonary emphysema, cardiovascular disease, dermatitis and cancer.

OR Stadium tried to contact Iz Health but could not locate the company.

Electronic cigarettes are prohibited by law

Last year, Anvisa reaffirmed resolution 46 of 28 August 2009, which prohibits the sale, importation and advertising of any electronic smoking device, including electronic cigarettes.

During the review, which took place in July, the agency approved the Regulatory Impact Analysis Report (AIR) on the devices. The document indicated the need to maintain the ban and the guarantee to crack down on irregular trade, through inspections and educational campaigns.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.