Nicotine and Mitochondria: Why mtDNA Drops and What That Means
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This paper shows a clear signal: long nicotine exposure is linked to fewer copies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in blood and brain tissue, and in human nerve cells in the lab. Fewer mtDNA copies usually mean the cell’s power plants are stressed. The study points to autophagy, the cell’s recycling system, as the main driver of that loss.
What to do about it: if you use nicotine, make a plan to taper and quit. Protect your mitochondria with basics that lower oxidative stress and support energy metabolism, like regular exercise, sleep, and a diet rich in colorful plants and omega-3 fats. If you are using nicotine to focus, swap to safer, proven strategies below.