Why U. S. Health Officials Are Targeting a Kratom Ingredient

FDA Recommends Nationwide Ban

U.S. health authorities are raising concerns about a specific chemical found in kratom, a plant from Southeast Asia. This chemical, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), is appearing in energy drinks, gummies, and supplements sold in convenience stores. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recommending a nationwide ban on this ingredient, but not on natural kratom leaf products.

Potency and Regulatory Actions

The FDA has released a report highlighting the risks of 7-OH, which is more potent than morphine. They are pushing for it to be added to the federal government’s most restrictive list of illegal drugs, alongside substances like LSD and heroin. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will review this recommendation before any federal ban takes effect.

Decade-Long Scrutiny on Kratom

For nearly a decade, federal regulators have been investigating kratom due to reports of addiction, injury, and overdose. However, users and distributors argue that kratom could be a safer alternative to opioid painkillers, which have contributed to the ongoing drug addiction crisis.

FDA Takes Action Against 7-OH Products

Last month, the FDA sent warning letters to seven companies selling products infused with 7-OH. These products violated FDA rules because they had not been evaluated for safety and made unapproved medical claims. Supplement executives praised the FDA’s move, calling it a step toward protecting consumers.

Lobbying Efforts and Legislative Battles

The American Kratom Association has been lobbying Congress for years against restrictions on the plant. They support legislation that would prevent the FDA from regulating kratom more strictly than food and dietary supplements. Nearly a decade ago, the federal government nearly banned kratom, but the plan was halted after public complaints and a letter signed by over 60 members of Congress.

Other Unapproved Drugs in Supplements

The FDA has also been warning about other unapproved drugs sold as supplements or energy drinks, including the antidepressant tianeptine. These drugs have been restricted by several states but are not yet banned at the federal level.