US Health Officials Target Kratom Products Amid Rising Complaints from the Supplement Industry

Concerns Over New Opioid Ingredient in Energy Drinks

U.S. health officials are raising alarms about a dangerous ingredient found in some energy drinks and supplements sold at local stores. This ingredient, 7-hydroxymitragynine, comes from kratom, a plant gaining popularity for its alleged benefits in treating pain and anxiety.

Recently, the FDA highlighted the risks of 7-OH, emphasizing that it can be more potent than morphine. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated, “We need regulation and public education to prevent another wave of the opioid epidemic.” The agency is recommending that 7-OH be added to the federal list of illegal drugs, which already includes substances like LSD and heroin.

For nearly a decade, regulators have monitored kratom due to reports of addiction and overdose. While some users advocate for kratom as a safer alternative to traditional opioids, the FDA’s warnings indicate potential dangers. The agency has issued letters to companies marketing products infused with 7-OH, stating these products have not been tested for safety.

The American Kratom Association, an industry group, has fought against strict regulations on kratom. They argue that kratom could offer a less dangerous option than opioid painkillers. Almost a decade ago, the DEA even considered banning kratom but halted those plans after receiving significant public backlash.

In recent months, the FDA has faced criticism for its slow approach to regulating such supplements and has echoed similar concerns about other unapproved drugs, including tianeptine, often nicknamed “gas station heroin.”

It’s clear that the conversation around kratom and its derivatives is far from over, as health officials try to balance regulation with the needs of those seeking alternatives to conventional pain relief.

For further details, you can visit the FDA’s recent announcement.

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Pain management, Medication, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Dietary supplements, Government regulations, Opioids, District of Columbia, AP Top News, Marty Makary, Health, Business, Ryan Niddel