Nicotine vs Caffeine: Which is more harmful?

Nicotine and caffeine are two substances that act on the brain. They can alter our mood and levels of concentration, but they are consumed differently and have different impacts on our health. 

Nicotine, which is found in cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products, is highly addictive. It acutely increases brain activity and triggers its reward mechanism.

Caffeine, on the other hand, is a safe substance for most people despite also being a stimulant. The UK Food Standards Agency says that up to 400mg per day, or roughly four cups of coffee, is unlikely to cause adverse effects in adults.

Nicotine itself can be harmful, which is why patches or vapes are only recommended to those people trying to quit smoking. It can, for example, affect the kidneys and increase blood pressure. Nicotine products are generally only recommended to people trying to quit smoking, but some are not recommended at all. Nicotine pouches (also known as snus),for example, can cause problems to the teeth and gums.  

Caffeine consumed within the recommended amount is not harmful to health, but some people report feeling tired, moody, or experiencing headaches if they do not drink coffee or other beverages containing the substance. However, research indicates that caffeinated coffee may have some health benefits, such as the prevention of certain cancers and liver conditions. 

Is nicotine harmful to the body? 

Nicotine can increase the risk of heart conditions 

Despite risks being lower when compared to cigarette smoking, products containing nicotine still increase the risk of strokes, high blood pressure and heart attack. In some people, it can cause an irregular heartbeat. This is why people who are using nicotine products to quit smoking should always speak to a GP before using them.  

Nicotine affects the brain 

Nicotine is highly addictive because it triggers the brain into releasing several substances that stimulate the brain. Because of this, it affects the reward process in the brain, creating a nice experience that makes people addicted to it. This is why nicotine can potentially affect our attention, our learning abilities and our memory, particularly if the substance was used when the brain was still in a developmental stage, such as in our teenage years.  

Nicotine affects sleep

Nicotine can negatively affect sleep. Research suggests that those who use nicotine may take longer to fall asleep, sleep fewer hours or wake up more often during the evening. This is because nicotine can disrupt substances that stimulate our brain, and these play a role in regulating our sleep cycle. 

Nicotine products are generally safer than cigarettes 

Products containing nicotine are only recommended for those people who smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products and want to quit. Vapes, patches, gums and nasal spray deliver nicotine without the harmful toxins found in tobacco products, such as tar and arsenic, and are used as an aid for those who want to quit smoking. However, vapes are not risk-free and products containing nicotine all affect the heart, so they should only be used under medical advice to aid quitting tobacco.  

Is caffeine harmful to the body? 

Is it ok to have caffeine every day? 

The Food Standards Agency in the UK considers that up to 400mg of caffeine per day – or four cups of coffee – is unlikely to cause adverse effects in adults. However, pregnant women and people with some health conditions, such as heart diseases and diabetes, may want to speak to their GP before having drinks with caffeine. The substance is not recommended for children. 

Can too much caffeine harm your body? 

Too much caffeine can harm your body and can even be fatal. As the Food Standards Agency in the UK states, 10 – 14 grams of caffeine can lead to death, though this is around 30 times the recommended daily amount (or equivalent to over 100 cups of tea in a single day). People who take caffeine supplements and energy drinks should check the amount of caffeine they are consuming when using these products. 

Can caffeine be good for me? 

Research indicates that, when used within the safe recommended amount of up to 400mg per day, caffeine may have preventative properties and protect some people from some types of cancer and even pain. However, it can be quite bad for people with heart conditions or anxiety, so always speak to your GP if something concerns you.  

Is nicotine worse than caffeine? 

Yes, nicotine is worse than caffeine because it is more harmful to our health. Nicotine is highly addictive and can lead to heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach and bowel issues. Even when consumed on its own it can cause harm, which is why nicotine patches and vapes containing nicotine are only recommended for people trying to quit smoking.