Researchers Find High Levels of Lead in Kratom Dietary Supplements

Many kratom products sold to consumers as dietary supplements contain dangerous amounts of lead, which exceed levels that are considered safe for children, adults and women of child-bearing age, according to the findings of a new study.

Kratom is an herbal supplement made from the dried leaves of the Mitragyna species tree that grows in Southeast Asia, which is included as an ingredient in many dietary supplements that are widely available at convenience stores, smoke shops and gas stations throughout the U.S.

The supplement has gained popularity in recent years, for the pain relief, energy boosting and anti-anxiety effects of kratom. It is also touted as a natural pain reliever and opioid addiction recovery tool. However, concerns have emerged about dangerous risks associated with kratom, which is often sold in candy-like forms and in brightly colored packaging that are appealing to children.

In the findings of a new study presented recently at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists mid-year meeting, researchers from the University of Connecticut report that more than 70% of kratom products they tested exceeded the maximum safety dose of lead.

Kratom Health Concerns

While the research is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal, the findings support prior warnings issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about dangerous levels of nickel and lead in kratom products more than six years ago.

Kratom’s active ingredient, mitragynine, has previously been linked to deadly heart arrhythmias, and health officials have recently warned that certain kratom products have been linked to aggressive behavior, addiction and death.

Between 2010 and 2015, as the popularity of the dietary supplement increased, calls to poison control centers for kratom-involved incidents increased tenfold, according to prior reports. In addition, a number of kratom poisoning wrongful death lawsuits and class action lawsuits have been filed in recent years, alleging that manufacturers have failed to adequately disclose all of the risks associated with the dietary supplements.

For this new study, a team of researchers led by Rohan Kantesaria reviewed 68 kratom-containing products at various doses to measure lead levels. They analyzed side effects reported to poison control centers according to age group from kratom-only exposures, hospitalizations and level of care. The researchers also reviewed the data for kratom alone and when combined with other substances.

The most frequently reported side effects were agitation, drowsiness, vomiting and tachycardia. This occurred among children and teenagers up to 19 years old. However, children under 13 were more likely to be hospitalized after exposure.

The data indicates kratom products contain more lead than is safe for children, women of childbearing age and adults to consume in one day, even at low doses.

At the lowest dose of kratom (3g), 21% of the products exceed 2.2. mcg/day of lead, the maximum safety limit of lead exposure recommended by the FDA for children. At the maximum dose of kratom (25g), 72% of the products exceeded the safety threshold.

For women of childbearing age, 6% of kratom products exceeded the 8.8 mcg/day lead exposure safety limit with a 3g dose of kratom. At the maximum dose of 25g, 54% of the products exceeded the safety level.

Kratom Lead Poisoning Risks

Lead poisoning has a range of side effects for both adults and children. Exposure to the toxic metal during childhood decreases the brain’s structural integrity later in life. It is also linked to lower test scores during childhood.

The leading group of pediatricians in the U.S., the American Academy of Pediatricians, warned there is no safe level of lead exposure for children due to the risk of life-long health problems.

Due to risks associated with lead in Kratom supplements, Kantesaria ‘s team said it may be necessary for lawmakers to take steps such as adding a warning and proper labeling to the products, or introducing legislation for mandatory heavy metals testing among kratom users.