Nicotine

Smoking cigarettes is detrimental for the freediving performance in several ways. Apart from the obvious negative effects on the health, the inhalation of carbon monoxide (CO) result in an increased part of the haemoglobin occupied by CO not able to bind oxygen. CO has approximately 200 times higher affinity to haemoglobin than oxygen.

Lately, the popularity of smoke less tobacco has increased (particularly in Sweden), and from the health aspect it is certainly a better alternative in comparison with smoking. However, freediving with nicotine in the blood is not recommended.

Nicotine contributes to a thermic effect resulting in an increased oxygen consumption.The thermic effect of nicotine (TEN) range from -2 to +14% (1-3). TEN is relatively short lived and lasting around 30min depending on the administered dose. Nicotine also activates G-protein coupled receptors in the sympathetic nervous system producing adrenergic end organ responses that include increased heart rate and blood pressure (1).

Due to the relatively short lived thermic effect of nicotine, users of smokeless tobacco should avoid the usage the last hour/hours. However, the gain in a lower oxygen consumption may be abolished by possible withdrawal symptoms.

References

1. Walker JF, Kane CJ. Effects of body mass on nicotine-induced thermogenesis and catecholamine release in male smokers. Sheng Li Xue Bao 2002;54:405-10.

2. Collins LC, Walker J, Stamford BA. Smoking multiple high- versus low-nicotine cigarettes: impact on resting energy expenditure. Metabolism 1996;45:923-6.

3. Perkins KA, Epstein LH, Stiller RL, Marks BL, Jacob RG. Acute effects of nicotine on resting metabolic rate in cigarette smokers. Am J Clin Nutr 1989;50:545-50.

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