E-Cigarettes Are Far Less Harmful to Gut Bacteria Than Smoking

  Finally, you can smoke e-cigarettes with peace of mind.

  An international research team led by Newcastle University analyzed the gut bacteria of smokers, e-cigarette users, and non-smokers. The gut bacteria of e-cigarette users are similar to those of non-smokers, while smokers show significant changes in their gut microbiome. Smokers have a notable increase in Proteobacteria, which is associated with the risk of colon cancer and colitis. Beneficial bacteria or probiotics in smokers are also reduced. Bacteroidetes, which are linked to Crohn's disease and obesity, are decreased. Compared to this, the gut microbiome of e-cigarette users is similar to that of non-smokers. The main author of the study, Christopher Stewart from the Institute of Cellular Medicine at Newcastle University, published this finding today in PeerJ. He explained: "The number of bacterial cells in our bodies exceeds that of human cells, and microbes weigh more than the brain, but we are just beginning to understand their importance to our health." "More investigations are needed. But knowing that e-cigarettes are far less harmful to gut bacteria than smoking increases the tendency for people to choose e-cigarettes, and they can be seen as a complete smoking cessation tool." Microbiome Comparison This pilot study is the first to compare the microbiomes of smokers and e-cigarette users. Samples were taken from 10 e-cigarette users, 10 smokers, and 10 non-smokers as a control group. Targeted gene sequencing was performed on fecal, oral (buccal), and saliva samples to determine the bacterial situation. In fecal samples, significant changes in gut bacteria were observed. Oral and saliva samples, which come into direct contact with tobacco or e-cigarettes, showed different bacteria between smokers and non-smokers. However, similar to the gut, the bacteria in oral and saliva samples of e-cigarette users and non-smokers are alike. Dr. Stewart added: "As the population of e-cigarette users is now large, this study is important for understanding the impact of e-cigarettes on human health." As more people begin to use e-cigarettes, the research team calls for further studies, aiming to investigate a larger population over a longer period. They also suggest further distinguishing by gender in microbiome investigations, as this study only included two females. It now appears that e-cigarettes can satisfy the pleasure of puffing without impacting health. This is undoubtedly good news for stubborn smokers.