Kratom and Heavy Metal Poisoning: What the Studies Indicate

While many have raved about kratom and its miraculous effects, it’s not without its controversies. Kratom fans claim it is perfect for an energy boost, as a pain reliever, an excellent way to combat the symptoms of depression, and is beneficial as an aid to help those suffering from opioid withdrawals. Its controversies range from adverse side effects to possible addiction.

One issue that has been swirling around kratom circles for the last couple of years is heavy metal poisoning. Should kratom users, especially those who enjoy it frequently, be concerned? Let’s take a look at kratom, heavy metals, and what you need to know about the connection between the two.

What is Kratom?

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree native to parts of Southeast Asia, notably Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Traditionally, its leaves are chewed or brewed as tea and used as a productivity aid by those with labor-intensive jobs. Now popular in the Western world, kratom is available in capsules, gummies, extracts, and as a fine powder.

The tree leaves are harvested and sun-dried before being ground into a powder. This fine powder is then either packaged for sale or further processed into other forms. Users report a wide range of effects, and depending on the dosage size, the experience can be energy and focus-enhancing, analgesic, or sedative.

What are Heavy Metals?

The term “heavy metals” generally refers to any metallic chemical element that has a high density and is toxic to humans, even in low concentrations. They can’t be degraded or destroyed. The most common heavy metals are:

• Lead (Pb): This heavy metal can be found in contaminated soil, batteries, paint, and water pipes.

• Mercury (Hg): Mercury can be found in contaminated fish and industrial emissions.

• Cadmium (Cd): Cadmium can be found in tobacco smoke, batteries, contaminated water, and fertilizers.

• Arsenic (As): Found in pesticides, contaminated water, and some industrial processes. It’s naturally occurring in rice but in trace amounts.

• Chromium (Cr): Chromium can be found in industrial waste and is used to tan leather and produce stainless steel.

The Health Risks of Heavy Metals

Since they aren’t easily eliminated from the body, heavy metals will, over time, accumulate in the body. Our bodies cannot easily eliminate them, and long-term exposure, even at low levels, can cause various health issues. A few of the primary risks of heavy metal poisoning include:

Neurological and Cognitive Damage

Mercury and lead are very damaging to the nervous system. An accumulation of these heavy metals can lead to headaches, memory loss, cognitive impairment, and mood disorders. Toxic levels of mercury and lead are linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Kidney and Liver Damage

Heavy metals, particularly cadmium, mercury, and lead, can build up in the kidneys and liver and cause dysfunction. Symptoms can include lack of appetite, frequent nausea, and abnormal liver and kidney function tests. Ultimately, this could lead to liver damage, kidney failure, and several other ailments.

Carcinogenic Effects

Arsenic, cadmium, and chromium have long been known to cause various cancers. Prolonged accumulation of these heavy metals increases the risk of lung, bladder, skin, and kidney cancer.

Others

Some other notable health effects of heavy metal poisoning include digestive problems, skin and hair damage, reproductive issues, and suppression of the immune system.

Kratom and Heavy Metal Poisoning

In November 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a report about long-term kratom use and heavy metal poisoning. Using various sources of kratom available to the general public, the FDA tested 30 kratom products and found significant levels of lead and nickel that exceed safe daily oral intake limits. These test results suggest that frequent kratom use could put users at risk of heavy metal poisoning the risks that this poisoning involves.

A May 2023 study produced similar results. Twenty-seven kratom products (powders, extracts, and beverages) were purchased from tobacco shops in Richmond, Virginia, and were analyzed for the presence of heavy metals. Manganese levels in kratom tea samples were found to be up to 20 times the tolerable limit and put users at risk of tremors and muscle spasms, similar to those with Parkinson’s disease.

A 2022 study focused on poorly regulated kratom products in the United States and the hazardous level of lead found in some kratom products. The report substantiated that high levels of lead are found in some kratom products but vary greatly by vendor. The report suggests that stricter regulations should be put in place to lessen the risks of heavy metal poisoning among the kratom-using public.

A 2024 report used independent third-party testing to assess lead, nickel, arsenic, cadmium, and manganese levels in kratom products. The report suggests that out of the 68 kratom products tested, manganese levels exceeded tolerable limits by nearly 42%.

The Source of Heavy Metals in Kratom Products

Heavy metals can enter kratom products in a few different ways. Some of the more common sources include:

• Soil contamination: Heavy metals can be introduced into kratom products because the trees are grown in areas with high levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Trees grown close to areas with industrial pollution could also be the culprit.

• Water sources: If kratom trees are irrigated with contaminated water, they can absorb heavy metals from the water.

• Agricultural practices: Some pesticides and fertilizers contain heavy metals, and their use during cultivation could be a source of heavy metal contamination.

• Manufacturing issues: Unregulated kratom products could be exposed to heavy metals due to unsafe practices.

How to Protect Yourself

Individuals who enjoy the many benefits of kratom may be curious about the risks of ingesting kratom products and heavy metal poisoning. While more research is needed to fully understand the risks associated with kratom and these metallic chemical elements, studies have concluded that some kratom products do contain higher levels of these contaminants. With the kratom industry mostly unregulated in many parts of the United States, it’s the responsibility of the kratom user to ensure that they only purchase safe products.

Only Purchase from Reputable Kratom Vendors

With so little U.S. regulation of kratom, there are plenty of unscrupulous manufacturers and vendors who should be avoided. While users who live in states that have passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) can usually purchase kratom products at brick-and-mortar stores where these products must legally be tested for contaminants, those who live in unregulated states run the risk of accidentally purchasing untested products.

Check for Vendor Certification

Before purchasing online or in person, look to see if the vendor follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and is also certified by organizations such as the American Kratom Association (AKA). GMP-certified vendors must adhere to higher quality standards, and those who are also members of the AKA must third-party test their products for heavy metals and other contaminants.

Avoid Unlabeled Products

Never purchase kratom products that are either unlabeled or don’t contain any type of valid information about what you’re purchasing. Any kratom product that’s unlabeled is more likely to contain high levels of heavy metals, harmful contaminants, or worse.

Kratom, Heavy Metal Poisoning, and How to Stay Safe

With much of the kratom industry unregulated, kratom consumers must take precautions. Ingesting kratom products with high levels of heavy metals can cause a variety of different health issues, so it is of utmost importance to research vendors before purchasing. It’s strongly suggested to only buy kratom products from reputable sources, especially those who have partnered with the American Kratom Association and are GMP certified.

For further reading:

• Carati, Kimberly Snow, et al. “Elemental impurities (heavy metals) in kratom products: an assessment of published individual product analyses.” Tandfonline.com. 16 August 2024
• Cinosi, Eduardo, et al. “Following the Roots of Kratom.” NIH.gov. 10 November 2015
• Fleming, James H., et al. “Analysis of heavy metals content in commercially available kratom products in Richmond, Virginia.” Sciencedirect.com. May 2023
• Noorul, Hamizah Mat, et al. “Analgesic effects of main indole alkaloid of kratom, mitragynine in acute pain animal model.” Sciencedirect.com. 15 February 2023
• Prozialeck, Walter, et al. “Public Health Implications and Possible Sources of Lead (Pb) as a Contaminant of Poorly Regulated Kratom Products in the United States.” NIH.gov. 19 June 2022
• Staff writer. Kratom State Legality and Legislation. The American Kratom Association. Accessed June 2023
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Laboratory Analysis of Kratom Products for Heavy Metals.”FDA.gov. 04 April 2019