nicotine metabolite

Nicotine metabolites are the substances produced when your body processes nicotine, the addictive compound found in tobacco. After you smoke or use nicotine products, your body breaks down nicotine into various chemicals, called metabolites, which are then eliminated through urine. The most common metabolite is cotinine, which stays in your body longer than nicotine and is often measured to determine recent nicotine use. These metabolites help scientists and healthcare providers understand how much nicotine someone has been exposed to and evaluate smoking habits or exposure to tobacco products.