We want to explain to you which substances in snus contribute to performance enhancement and how they affect physical abilities.
Snus has been used for some time by amateur athletes and professional athletes as a product for performance enhancement. The term snus is used for tobacco mixtures for oral use, which originally come from Scandinavia and are widely used there.
Although the sale is considered illegal in many European countries (except Switzerland and Sweden), the consumption is not affected, and even in professional sports, snus is not classified as an illegal doping substance. We want to explain to you which substances in snus contribute to performance enhancement and how they affect physical abilities.
What ingredients are in snus?
Snus is a mixture of salt, flavors, water, and ground tobacco, and when consumed, it is placed under the upper lip and consumed until it loses its taste. Since snus contains tobacco, it also contains nicotine, as it naturally occurs in the tobacco plant. The nicotine content of snus depends on the brand, with particularly strong products containing up to 45 mg/g of nicotine.
The salt in snus ensures better absorption of the tobacco. Through the mucous membranes in the mouth, it is absorbed by the body and ultimately reaches the brain through the blood, triggering a series of reactions there. The duration of the effect depends on the strength of the snus and how long the tobacco mixture is kept in the mouth.
Effects of snus on the body and mind
One of the reasons why some athletes reach for snus before training is the effect of tobacco on the body, or rather the effect of the nicotine it contains. When nicotine reaches the brain, the reward center is activated, and our body releases more of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine improves communication between nerve cells and spreads positive feelings.
At the same time, nicotine also leads to an increase in adrenaline, meaning our blood pressure and pulse rise. So, after consumption, we not only feel less nervous but also more focused than before. Snusers describe it as an invigorating feeling, where negative feelings like nervousness are suppressed at the same time.
Snus performance enhancement in sports
The actual effect of snus on athletes is still relatively unexplored. Some athletes hope for better concentration and faster reaction times from consumption, while others claim that snus has no influence on athletic performance and is just a temporary boost.
Among ice hockey players, snus has never been uncommon, and more and more professional footballers are also using snus to experience an energy boost before the game and to increase their endurance.
Legality of snus in sports - Is snus considered a doping substance?
Officially, snus is not on the list of globally banned doping substances, just like nicotine. However, nicotine is noted on the watchlist and could be classified as illegal in the future.
In fact, consuming snus before training or a game is completely legal, and athletes do not have to fear disqualification. As long as the performance enhancement from snus cannot be proven measurably, and athletes do not gain a clear advantage from consumption, it is not considered doping.
Conclusion
Consuming snus triggers some reactions in our body that, according to athletes, have a positive effect on their performance. The intake helps suppress negative feelings, such as nervousness, and increases adrenaline release in the body. Ice hockey and football players, in particular, are known to consume it regularly before games.
However, this performance enhancement from snus is not high enough to be considered an illegal doping substance, so snus is not on the list of banned stimulants and can be legally consumed by athletes.
