While the liquid used in electronic cigarettes does contain a small number of calories, the act of vaping is considered to have a negligible, if any, caloric impact on the body.
This is because the calories are inhaled into the lungs rather than being ingested through the digestive system, which is how the body primarily absorbs energy from food and drink.
E-liquid, or vape juice, is typically composed of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), along with flavorings and often nicotine. Both PG and VG have a caloric value of approximately 4 calories per gram. This means a standard 1 milliliter of e-liquid contains roughly 4 to 5 calories.
However, the crucial distinction lies in the method of consumption. The human respiratory system is not designed to absorb calories. While a minuscule amount of e-liquid may be inadvertently swallowed during vaping, the caloric intake from this is insignificant and would not contribute in any meaningful way to a person’s daily calorie total. For all practical purposes, vaping is considered a zero-calorie activity.
Nicotine, a common component in many e-liquids, does not contain any measurable calories. Therefore, the presence or concentration of nicotine in vape juice does not affect its caloric content. Similarly, the flavorings used in e-liquids contribute a negligible amount to the overall calorie count.
In summary, while the components of e-liquid technically possess calories, the process of vaping does not allow for their absorption by the body in any significant amount. Therefore, individuals concerned about caloric intake do not need to factor in their vaping habits.