Investigating the Link Between Kratom Use and Vitamin Deficiency

Kratom has been gaining popularity in the Western world for quite some time. What was once a remedy for fishermen, farmers, and other laborers of Southeast Asia to help combat fatigue and increase productivity has found its way into kratom bars, gym locker rooms, and private residences in other parts of the world. While kratom’s benefits are many, some have found themselves concerned about the effects it could have on their general health.

Is there a link between kratom and vitamin deficiencies? Let’s have a look at what kratom is, its benefits, and if there’s any correlation between its use and vitamin deficiencies.

What Is Kratom?

Scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, kratom is a tropical evergreen tree that grows naturally in places like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The indigenous peoples who live where the tree grows have long used it for many purposes, such as a ceremonial beverage and an aid for long and labor-intensive work. Its leaves were either brewed as tea or chewed.

Now popular in the West, kratom comes in many different forms. Fans of this botanical can purchase kratom as gummies, raw powdered leaves, extracts, and capsules. Its taste has been described as “earthy with a bitter bite,” with some users blending it into shakes, smoothies, and juices to mask its intense flavor.

The Benefits of Kratom

Kratom has many special properties, and its uses vary from user to user. Some may use it to boost their energy levels, either for productivity (chores, errands, or a busy work day) or to enhance physical activities (exercise, working out). Others may use kratom for relaxation, pain relief, self-treatment for mood disorders, or as a replacement for opioid addiction. No matter a user’s reason for reaching for kratom, some do so in a healthy and responsible manner, while others may lean towards reliance or using it as a coping mechanism.

Depending on the dosage consumed, kratom can have varying effects. These can range from a boost of energy to sedation. As a general guideline, here’s a look at kratom dosages and their expected effects:

Low Dose (1 – 5 grams)

At lower doses, kratom has a stimulative effect. Users report heightened focus, mental clarity, and an elevated mood. Some also report feelings of well-being.

• Effects: Increased energy, alertness, and sociability

Moderate Dose Effects (5 – 8 grams)

Moderate doses of kratom tend to have a calming effect on users. Some report a lowering of anxiety and feeling relaxed without feeling sleepy. At this dosage, kratom can also have an analgesic effect and is effective for pain management.

• Effects: Relaxation, alleviation of pain, mild sedation, improved mood

High Does Effects (8 grams or more)

At high doses, kratom can lead users to experience extreme sedation, deep relaxation, and feelings of euphoria. Many use high doses of kratom as a replacement for opioids, both for pain management and harm reduction from opioid addiction.

• Effects: Deep sedation, intense euphoria, and an opioid-like experience

Potential Links Between Kratom, Vitamin Deficiencies, and Nutritional Health

While there is no concrete proof that the use of kratom causes vitamin deficiencies, that’s not to say that it cannot cause health issues. A recent study suggests that excessive kratom use can lead to hyponatremia, a medical condition where the sodium levels in your blood are lower than usual.

Kratom use, especially amongst those who use high doses daily, can cause some health issues that could lead to vitamin deficiency. Some are due to kratom’s side effects, while others are solely lifestyle-related.

• Appetite Suppression: Kratom use can lower appetite in some individuals. A decreased appetite can lead to an entire host of health-related issues, vitamin deficiencies being one of the many.
• Gastrointestinal Effects: Some kratom users have reported gastrointestinal issues after consuming kratom. Nausea and constipation are at the top of the list. Chronic gastrointestinal issues can lead to problems associated with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
• Lifestyle Factors: This may be one of the primary causes of kratom use and vitamin deficiencies. Kratom users, particularly those who consume large doses daily, can become sluggish and sedentary due to its sedative effects. This lifestyle can lead to a lack of exercise and a poor diet, both of which could cause a lack of vitamins in the body.

Possible side effects from kratom can include vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, frequent urination, and constipation. Notably, nausea and constipation could cause unhealthy eating habits that could indirectly lead to a vitamin deficiency.

Some individuals who use kratom regularly and then suddenly stop have experienced a decrease in appetite and diarrhea, which could also indirectly lead to issues with vitamin deficiencies.

Other Possible, Yet Rare, Health Risks Associated With Kratom

Although not incredibly common, some health risks have been associated with the use of kratom. While most individuals who use kratom do so in a responsible and non-obsessive manner, those who take large doses daily over a long period of time run the risk of experiencing some health issues.

• Liver Damage: Although rare, a 2021 study suggests that there could be a link between Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and kratom use.
• Kidney Problems: There is no known link to kidney issues and the use of kratom. However, there is one case of hyperkalemia, a condition with too much potassium in the bloodstream, that researchers believe is kratom-induced. Kidney problems could cause this condition.
• Cardiovascular Effects: While more research is needed into the effects of long-term kratom use, a recent study suggests that there could be a correlation between kratom and cardiovascular health.
• Respiratory Issues: Although uncommon, there are a few cases of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) that could be related to kratom use. More research is required to see if long-term kratom use can negatively affect the respiratory system.

Kratom and Vitamin Deficiency and More

There is no direct evidence to support the idea that kratom use can directly cause vitamin deficiencies. However, some scenarios could lead to vitamin deficiency and other health-related issues, such as kratom misuse and an unhealthy lifestyle.

While the majority of kratom users haven’t experienced any adverse effects, its use doesn’t come without some risks. It’s the responsibility of the individual to ensure they follow all kratom dosing recommendations and only purchase kratom products from verified and reputable sources.

For further information:

• Botejue, Mahesh, et al. “Kratom-Induced Liver Injury: A Case Series and Clinical Implications.” NIH.gov. 13 April 2021
• Chinnappan, Justine, et al. “Kratom-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).” HIN.gov. 29 March 2023
• Cinosi, Eduardo, et al. “Following the Roots of Kratom.” NIH.gov. 10 November 2015
• Grundmann, Oliver, et al. “Kratom: History, pharmacology, current user trends, adverse health effects and potential benefits.” NIH.gov. 20 June 2023
• Martin, Gabriella, et all. “Life-Threatening Hyponatremia Secondary to Chronic Kratom Use: A Case Presentation.” NIH.gov. 12 September 2022
• Mohammad, Farris Iman Leong Bin Abdullah, et al. “The Adverse Cardiovascular Effects and Cardiotoxicity of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.): A Comprehensive Review.” HIH.gov. 27 September 2021
• Striley, Catherine W, et al. “Health Effects Associated With Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Polysubstance Use: A Narrative Review.” NIH.gov. 20 May 2022
• Torres-Ortiz, Aldo, et al. “A Case of Hyperkalemia Induced by Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa).” NIH.gov. 11 April 2022