Tag: Nicotine metabolite

Cotinine, the primary metabolite of nicotine, can accumulate in the body to levels much higher and for longer durations than nicotine itself. This raises a key question for researchers and health professionals: Does cotinine have psychoactive effects, or is it merely an inert byproduct of nicotine metabolism?

Approximately 80 to 90 percent of nicotine is metabolized into cotinine, which serves as a primary biomarker for tobacco and nicotine exposure [1.2.1, 1.10.1]. Understanding what is the life of cotinine in the body is crucial for health assessments and smoking cessation programs.

Did you know that cotinine, the main metabolite of nicotine, has a half-life up to ten times longer than nicotine itself? [1.8.3] While famous as a biomarker for tobacco use, emerging science is now asking: what are the benefits of cotinine for brain health?