The Rising Concern Over Kratom’s Health Risks
Kratom, a plant-based supplement once used as an alternative to opioid withdrawal treatment, has become increasingly popular in the United States. However, health professionals are now raising alarms about its potential dangers. The supplement is commonly found in wellness drinks and pills sold at convenience stores and health shops. Despite its growing use, kratom has been linked to serious side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, and addiction.
The active component of kratom, 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), is known for its potent effects on the body. While some products contain the whole plant, others are specifically formulated with high concentrations of 7-OH, which can be extremely hazardous. According to the Mayo Clinic, some kratom sellers have been found to add more of this active ingredient than naturally occurs in the plant. This has led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to request that the Drug Enforcement Agency classify 7-OH products as illegal due to their potential for abuse and severe health consequences.
Cases of Kratom-Related Deaths
Several tragic cases have highlighted the dangers of kratom. In April 2022, Jordan McKibban, a 37-year-old man, collapsed and died after consuming kratom mixed with lemonade. His mother, Pam Mauldin, is now pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit, citing the growing number of deaths attributed to kratom. Research from 2023 also suggests that kratom is 63 times more deadly than other natural products sold to consumers.
In 2021, Matthew Torres, a 39-year-old carpenter, died from severe seizures after taking kratom. His mother, Mary Torres, filed a lawsuit against the smoke shop that sold him the supplement, seeking $10 million in damages. She claims that Torres used kratom to manage his pain and muscular ailments, believing it to be a safer alternative to opioids.
The History and Use of Kratom
Kratom originates from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia and has been used in cultures like Cambodia and Thailand for centuries. It can be consumed in various forms, including tea, capsules, or mixed into drinks. Many people take kratom daily to help them quit opioids, but the FDA warns that it has not been approved for any medical use in the United States.
Despite these warnings, the use of kratom continues to rise. Data from the United States National Poison Data System shows a significant increase in kratom-related poisonings, from just 11 cases in 2011 to 357 cases in the first seven months of 2018 alone. A 2021 study estimated that 1.7 million Americans were using kratom, often as a way to manage opioid addiction.
Side Effects and Unusual Reactions
Doctors have also warned about other side effects of kratom, including changes in skin color. Some users have reported their skin turning blue, a phenomenon that has raised concerns among dermatologists. Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, a dermatologist at the University of Miami, explained that this discoloration may be linked to increased dopamine levels, which could affect melanin production. The blue patches typically appear on areas exposed to sunlight.
Two notable cases involved a 30-year-old man in Kansas and a 54-year-old man in Washington state, both of whom experienced blue skin discoloration while using kratom. These cases highlight the unpredictable and potentially harmful effects of the supplement.
Regulatory Actions and Public Response
In 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proposed banning kratom and classifying it as a Schedule I substance. However, this plan was later abandoned following public protests. Today, an estimated 2.1 million Americans are struggling with opioid addiction, and many continue to seek alternatives like kratom despite the risks.
As the debate over kratom’s safety continues, health experts urge caution and emphasize the need for better regulation and consumer awareness. With the increasing number of reported cases, it is clear that the dangers of kratom must not be overlooked.