Menthol's Stroke Risk: What You Need To Know

Menthol is a chemical compound that is naturally found in peppermint and other mint plants but can also be made synthetically. It is widely used in medicines and food products, and is perhaps most commonly known as a component of cigarettes. While generally considered safe, menthol has been the subject of some health concerns, particularly in relation to its presence in cigarettes. One such concern is the potential link between menthol cigarettes and an increased risk of stroke, which has been suggested by some studies.

Menthol cigarettes may cause more strokes than non-menthol cigarettes

Menthol cigarettes are tobacco products with a minty flavour. They were first introduced in the 1920s and 1930s, and their use has been increasing. As of 2020, about 37% of all cigarette sales were menthol cigarettes, the highest rate since major tobacco companies started reporting this data.

Menthol cigarettes are particularly appealing to new smokers and young people due to their soothing and cooling effects, and their ability to reduce the harshness of cigarette smoke and irritation from nicotine. Tobacco companies have targeted their marketing of menthol cigarettes to certain racial/ethnic groups, especially Black Americans, since the 1950s. This has resulted in more than 8 in 10 Black Americans who smoke using menthol cigarettes.

A large Canadian study found that people who smoke menthol cigarettes were more likely to have a stroke than those who smoked other types of cigarettes. The stroke risk for menthol smokers was more than twice that of regular cigarette smokers. For women and non-Black smokers, the risk was more than three times higher. The researchers suggested that menthol may stimulate upper-airway cold receptors, increasing breath-holding time and facilitating the entrance of cigarette particulate matter into the lungs.

However, it is important to note that the study had several limitations, including not accounting for drug treatment that might have influenced the results and relying on self-reported smoking habits. Additionally, the findings should not be interpreted to mean that any type of cigarette is safer than another, as all types of smoking are unhealthy and increase the risk for various cancers, heart diseases, and lung diseases.

Women and non-Black menthol smokers are at a higher risk of stroke

A 2012 study found that menthol cigarettes may pose an even greater risk for stroke than other types of cigarettes, especially for women and non-black smokers. The research, which was conducted by Canadian researchers, revealed that the stroke risk for menthol smokers was more than twice that of regular cigarette smokers. Strikingly, for women and non-blacks, the risk was more than three times higher.

The findings suggest that mentholated cigarettes may place individuals at an even higher risk for stroke than smoking regular, non-mentholated cigarettes. However, it is important to note that the study had some limitations, including not accounting for drug treatments that might have influenced the results and relying on self-reported smoking habits.

Another study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, specifically examined the link between cigarette smoking and stroke risk in African Americans. It found that African Americans who smoke are nearly 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke than those who never smoked. On the other hand, former smokers showed a similar risk to never smokers. This study underscores the importance of smoking cessation to reduce the risk of stroke, especially in vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, according to the National Institutes of Health, smoking has been shown to raise the risk of stroke by 1.5 times for the general population, but these adverse health effects appear to be magnified in African Americans. This highlights the need for further research and targeted interventions to address the higher stroke risk associated with menthol cigarette smoking, especially among women and non-black smokers.

There is no specific antidote for menthol poisoning

While menthol is generally considered safe and its toxic effects are rarely reported, there have been cases of menthol poisoning, and even a fatal case. However, it is important to note that there is no specific antidote for menthol poisoning.

Menthol is a monocyclic terpene alcohol that is naturally present in peppermint but can also be synthesized artificially. It is commonly used to add peppermint flavour to candies and other products, and it is also an ingredient in certain skin lotions, ointments, and medicines for treating congestion, aches, and pains. While it is considered safe for consumption, large amounts of menthol can be harmful and lead to poisoning.

In the event of menthol poisoning, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. The treatment includes gastrointestinal decontamination, oral activated charcoal, and other supportive measures. The prognosis depends on the ingested dose, the duration of exposure, and the speed at which medical treatment is provided.

To prevent menthol poisoning, it is important to reduce the intake or exposure to menthol. While menthol is widely used and often considered safe, prolonged and heavy exposure can lead to severe intoxication and even death, as demonstrated by the rare case of a worker in a peppermint factory who accidentally inhaled toxic fumes and subsequently passed away. Therefore, it is crucial to take all necessary precautions and seek early recognition and treatment in case of suspected menthol poisoning.

Menthol cigarettes are more addictive than non-menthol cigarettes

While there is no direct evidence that menthol causes strokes, there are studies that suggest menthol cigarettes are more addictive than non-menthol cigarettes.

Menthol is a chemical compound that cools and numbs the throat, making the smoke seem less harsh. The minty coolness of the menthol can cover up the harshness of the cigarette, causing people to smoke more. This is particularly appealing to new and young smokers, who are drawn to the flavour and sensory effects that reduce the harshness of smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2021, almost 40% of middle and high school students who smoked reported using menthol cigarettes, and almost 80% of youth tobacco users used flavoured products.

Research by the FDA and the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee shows that those who smoke menthol cigarettes are more likely to be dependent and have more difficulty quitting. This is because menthol increases the number of nicotinic receptors in the brain, making the brain more dependent on the continued use of tobacco and menthol. Studies have shown that menthol cigarette users have higher levels of these receptors in their brains.

Menthol cigarettes are also associated with higher rates of addiction among certain population groups. For example, Black Americans, individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, and those with behavioural health disorders are more likely to report smoking menthol cigarettes. This is due in part to targeted marketing by the tobacco industry, which has promoted menthol cigarettes as "smoother" or "healthier".

The addictive nature of menthol cigarettes has significant health implications. The Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee projected that by 2020, about 17,000 premature deaths would be attributable to menthol cigarettes, and about 2.3 million people would have started smoking due to the availability of menthol cigarettes.

Menthol can cause eye and skin irritation

There have been cases of babies getting menthol in their eyes, causing them to close their eyes and cry. In one such case, the baby's skin was washed with soap and water, and their eyes were irrigated with water. The skin irritation went away with no additional treatment beyond washing.

Menthol is an important additive in most tobacco products and is a characteristic of many brands. Some researchers think menthol cigarettes might increase the risk of addiction and might be more toxic than regular cigarettes.

Menthol is also used in throat lozenges, intranasal inhalers, lotions, pain creams, and foods. It is typically safe and has wide usage in medicine and food. However, it is essential to follow the instructions on the product package and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

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