Products containing nicotine, such as pouches and patches, are often marketed as ways to improve cognitive abilities, but these claims are not supported by strong scientific evidence. Nicotine is sometimes promoted as a means to enhance concentration and reduce stress, but research does not confirm that it prevents cognitive decline or increases longevity. While nicotine substitutes are effective for helping people quit smoking, using nicotine outside this context can lead to dependence. In the United States, a political movement known as Make America Healthy Again, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves as the health minister under Donald Trump, is pushing for action against chronic diseases and environmental chemicals. This movement has coincided with a trend in which nicotine is being portrayed as a beneficial substance for health and performance. On social media, in podcasts, and within well-being communities, influential figures are promoting nicotine as a misunderstood substance, suggesting that its potential benefits have been overlooked due to its association with tobacco and its harmful effects. Nicotine is increasingly being seen not as an addictive substance linked to tobacco, but as a natural product with a wide range of potential uses, from improving concentration to preventing cognitive decline. This trend includes nicotine consumed in non-combustible forms such as nicotine pouches, or combined with caffeine and other substances known as nootropics, which are marketed for their supposed cognitive benefits. As a pulmonary physician and researcher, I study the effects of nicotine and tobacco products on health. The claims that nicotine improves well-being, productivity, and cognitive abilities concern me. Some of these claims are based on the fact that nicotine is a naturally occurring substance found in plants, such as tobacco, and in small amounts in vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. Advocates also cite studies that show nicotine can affect certain aspects of cognitive function and brain activity. However, the conclusion that nicotine improves productivity, brain health, longevity, or well-being goes beyond what human studies have demonstrated. Nicotine is primarily responsible for the dependence on cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco products. The most serious health risks arise from the combustion of tobacco, which produces thousands of toxic substances, including carcinogens and fine particles. Repeated exposure to these substances can lead to serious diseases such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular conditions. Nicotine itself also has well-documented harmful effects on the brain and body. It activates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, and disrupting sleep. These effects are particularly concerning during critical periods of development, such as before birth and during adolescence. Nicotine can also alter brain circuits involved in attention, learning, and reward perception, increasing the risk of dependence. Certain influencers in the wellness community claim that nicotine improves cognitive abilities, especially concentration and productivity. Some studies suggest that nicotine can temporarily enhance attention and reaction time, but results are mixed. While it may benefit individuals with mild cognitive decline, it does not appear to improve cognitive function in healthy individuals and may even reduce performance in those who typically excel on cognitive tests. Many of these studies focus on people who are already dependent on nicotine. When they stop using it, they often experience withdrawal symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, and anxiety. Resuming nicotine use can alleviate these symptoms, making it difficult to determine whether the observed improvements are genuine or simply the result of symptom relief. In other words, while nicotine may temporarily improve attention and alertness in some people, there is little evidence that it truly enhances academic success, intelligence, creativity, decision-making, or work productivity. Similarly, while nicotine may provide a temporary sense of well-being, long-term use can disrupt the body's ability to manage stress and may worsen anxiety. Some advocates claim that nicotine protects against dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and age-related cognitive decline. These claims are based on studies that suggest nicotine affects brain circuits involved in memory and attention, as well as animal and laboratory studies. However, human studies have not shown that nicotine prevents dementia, slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease, or improves the progression of Parkinson's disease. Despite these claims, nicotine substitutes approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), such as patches and gum, are effective for helping people quit smoking. However, these products should not be confused with claims that nicotine improves cognitive abilities or promotes healthy aging. Outside of a scientifically supported treatment for tobacco addiction, the use of nicotine-containing products carries a risk of dependence.