Across 80 trials and 29,861 people, nicotine e-cigarettes produced about four more quitters per 100 than nicotine patches or gum

What the research found

Study (living systematic review of randomized trials). ScienceDaily carried the Cochrane account on 8 October 2026. Nicola Lindson, Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, and colleagues report in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2026; 2026(8); doi 10.1002/14651858.CD010216.pub11). The update added nine trials, for 80 trials and 29,861 participants. High-certainty evidence said nicotine e-cigarettes led to about 4 additional quitters per 100 people compared with nicotine replacement such as patches and gum, and about 2 additional quitters per 100 compared with non-nicotine e-cigarettes. Quit rates were also higher than with no support or behavioral support alone, with less confidence because of possible bias in some designs. The authors said they found no sign in these trials that using e-cigarettes to quit raised serious short-term harm, and that longer follow-up is still needed. The conclusion is limited to regulated nicotine e-cigarettes. Hartmann-Boyce said unlicensed products can have unstable batteries and harmful chemicals, and that THC products are a different question. The World Health Organization figure cited is more than seven million smoking deaths a year, including 1.6 million among people exposed to second-hand smoke. The same organizations warn that e-cigarettes still deliver nicotine and other chemicals, and that use by children can lead to nicotine addiction. The release does not split results by age or sex. Lindson said people who want to stop smoking should talk with stop-smoking services or a clinician. Educational notes. This is not medical advice and not a suggestion that a non-smoker start vaping.

Evidence level: Review of studies. This is among the stronger kinds of evidence, but one study rarely settles a question.

Read the original at Cochrane