Cigarettes have long been recognized as one of the most lethal consumer products, claiming approximately 76,000 lives annually in the UK and millions more worldwide. Yet, in an unexpected turn of events, the very ingredient that caused smoking’s addictive nature is now being repurposed as a potential ally in the battle against ageing.

In a surprising development, a wave of Silicon Valley ‘biohackers’ is championing nicotine not as a harmful substance, but as a possible enhancer of mental sharpness, appetite control, and longevity. These enthusiasts are not advocating for smoking. Rather, they argue that when nicotine is isolated from tobacco and administered through ‘clean’ methods like patches or oral pouches, it transforms into something altogether different—a cognitive booster, a metabolic stimulator, and a tool for extending life.

With smoking rates plummeting to unprecedented lows, the demand for smoke-free nicotine products has soared. Last year alone, the sales of oral nicotine pouches reached £200 million, and this market is expected to expand by 45 percent each year.

This shift has given rise to a new trend within the wellness sector—’longevity nicotine.’ This niche targets individuals who have never smoked but are seeking to enhance their physical and mental well-being.

As smoking rates fall to historic lows, the market for so-called smoke-free nicotine has surged. Sales of oral nicotine pouches alone hit £200million last year and are forecast to rise by 45 per cent annually.

And a new niche is emerging at the more extreme end of the wellness world – ‘longevity nicotine’ – pitched at people who don’t smoke at all, but want to optimise their bodies and minds.

Critics warn this is a dangerous reframing of an addictive drug with known risks. But proponents insist nicotine has been misunderstood for decades – and that its association with cigarettes has obscured potential benefits.

Among those pushing the idea is podcaster and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who runs nicotine pouch brand ALP and describes nicotine as a ‘life- enhancing, God-given’ ­substance.

One of the loudest advocates is health entrepreneur Dave Asprey, who describes himself as the ‘father of biohacking’ – a movement devoted to hacking human biology to ­maximise performance and extend lifespan.

A growing number of Silicon Valley ‘biohackers’ claim that nicotine in the form of patches or oral pouches could help people live longer

One of the loudest advocates is Dave Asprey, who describes himself as the ‘father of biohacking’ and claims his biological age is in his late 30s

Asprey claims his biological age is in his late 30s, and that tests show his arteries resemble those of a 23-year-old.

A key part of his routine, he says, is nicotine. For the past five years, he has used around 2mg a day – one-tenth of the nicotine in a cigarette – ­delivered via a patch.

Biohackers argue that ­nicotine’s reputation has been unfairly tarnished by its delivery system.

‘When I say nicotine, people hear smoking, because the two are so tightly linked,’ says Mr Asprey. ‘But smoking contains thousands of other compounds that are ­harmful. Pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, purified nicotine, is a ­different thing.’

There is some scientific basis for nicotine’s cognitive effects – at least in the short term.

A 2021 review of 31 studies found that nicotine patches significantly improved attention compared with placebo. Animal studies suggest this is because nicotine binds to acetylcholine receptors in the brain – part of a neurotransmitter system central to memory and learning.

Activating these receptors can enhance attention, working memory and sensory processing.

Sales of oral nicotine pouches alone hit £200million last year and are forecast to rise by 45 per cent annually

‘Nicotine’s rapid arrival in the brain activates reward pathways that make people feel pleasure,’ says Adam Taylor, an anatomist at the University of Lancaster. ‘It also acts on memory pathways, making people more alert and improving working memory, attention and sustained focus.’

Researchers believe ­nicotine could also have longer-term protective effects. A 2018 study analysing data from more than 200,000 people found ­smokers were significantly less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.

Experts suspect nicotine plays a role. One theory is that it binds to receptors involved in dopamine signalling – a pathway known to be disrupted in Parkinson’s.

When it comes to ageing itself, however, the evidence is thin.

One study in mice found daily nicotine doses improved ‘age-­related symptoms’, possibly by stimulating cells involved in DNA repair. But experts urge caution.

‘We know little about the effects of using nicotine for long periods in people who have never smoked,’ says Jasmine Khouja, a psychologist and nicotine researcher at the University of Bath. ‘Nicotine increases resting heart rate, and some evidence ­suggests long-term exposure may damage the cardiovascular ­system.’

Professor Taylor adds that ­nicotine’s stimulant effects ripple throughout the body. ‘They can cause muscle twitches and spasms, palpitations, raised blood pressure and disrupted sleep,’ he says. ‘These risks are higher in people with existing heart ­conditions.’

Mental health is another ­concern. Smoking is linked to higher rates of depression – and switching to smoke-free nicotine does not ­eliminate that risk entirely.

‘There is no level of nicotine that can be considered low-risk for everyone,’ Dr Khouja says. ‘The risks vary by individual, and we don’t yet understand them fully.

‘Nicotine products can help ­people quit smoking. But for non-smokers, any cognitive ­benefits are likely to be short-lived and outweighed by addiction and withdrawal.’