A warning has been issued to people who choose certain vape flavors. A recent study found that these flavors are linked to more changes in gene activity than sweet, mint, or menthol options.

Vaping is less risky than smoking because it does not produce tar, tobacco, or carbon monoxide. Adult smokers who use vapes to quit should stick to legal products and avoid unclear ingredients or suspicious packaging.

A new study found that regular vapers who smoke fruity flavors showed altered activity in many genes. This can be an early sign of disease pathways, including cancer and heart conditions.

The researchers did not say that fruity vapes cause diseases, but they may increase the risk. Vape flavors do not change the DNA sequence, but they affect gene expression.

Changing gene expression means changing how much protein a cell makes from a gene. It alters cell behavior without changing the DNA code.

Fruity flavors pose the greatest risks.

The permanent text in a book is like DNA - changing it is a mutation. Gene expression is like choosing which recipe to cook. Vaping does not erase or rewrite recipes, but it forces cells to make too much of a bad recipe.

Each flavor has unique attributes that produce different biological effects, according to a professor. Regulators should consider this when evaluating health risks.

The research team found that vaping dose and duration explained part of the picture, but product features like flavor and device type explained a major share of the variation. Fruit flavors were linked to changes in many genes.

Fruit flavors were linked to changes in 970 genes, while sweet flavors were linked to 92 genes. Mint or menthol flavors were linked to 27 genes.

Fruit flavors are linked to a higher share of changes in gene activity than other options.

Higher-generation devices were associated with more gene expression changes than earlier devices. The authors said the findings support looking at flavorings and device design.

A separate review warned that fruity, menthol, or mint, and sweet flavors have been linked to increased nicotine preference, inflammation, and cellular damage.

The NHS says vaping exposes users to fewer toxins than smoking, but it is unlikely to be entirely harmless.

Vaping has been used by smokers as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes. The NHS says nicotine vaping is one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking.

The study involved 35 vapers, 24 smokers, and 24 non-users. Researchers collected cell samples and compared gene expression between the groups.

A vape expert said adult smokers using vaping to quit should stick to reputable retailers and check product information carefully.

Flavor choice is personal, but it should never come before compliance or health advice. Vapes are for adult smokers, not children or people who have never smoked.