The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently revealed that alarming levels of heavy metals, including lead, were found in kratom products. During a separate investigation on salmonella contamination in kratom products (which resulted in the FDA’s first-ever mandatory recall order), the agency found unacceptable levels of lead and nickel. Scientists analyzed 26 different kratom products obtained by field agents and all tested positive for heavy metal contamination.
Kratom is an herbal substance from Southeast Asia which consumers say provide relief from pain, anxiety, depression, addiction, and opioid withdrawal. Others warn that kratom itself can be addictive, and in some cases deadly.
“The findings of identifying heavy metals in kratom only strengthen our public health warnings around this substance, and concern for the health and safety of Americans using it. To date, there have been no adequate and well-controlled scientific studies involving the use of kratom as a treatment for opioid use withdrawal or other diseases in humans. Nor have there been studies on how kratom, when combined with other substances, may impact the body, its dangers, potential side effects, or interactions with other drugs.” – FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D.
