Skin Color May Affect Nicotine Storage 

Smokers with darker skin may be more affected by nicotine than lighter-skinned ones are, a new study finds.

Researchers said it was possible that the nicotine in tobacco bound to melanin, which gives skin its color. The darker the skin, the greater the amount of melanin -- and perhaps the more nicotine is stored.

The researchers, whose study appears in Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, noted the small number of people used in the study and said the findings should be considered preliminary.

But the research may shed light into why some people appear more affected by nicotine than others.

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