Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Kratom Debate
- Review & Opinion: Kratom is Safe
- Conclusion: Responsible Use Shows Promise
The Bloomberg kratom article, “Kratom Appears Safe in Early FDA Study That Excluded Popular Drinks,” reports on the first results from a U.S. FDA study on kratom, a plant based compound from Southeast Asia. This study looked at kratom in its traditional leaf powder form. Good news, it’s safe even at high doses, vomiting and nausea was a side effect in those who took too much.
But these results don’t apply to the more concentrated forms of kratom, such as drinks and concentrates which are becoming more popular in the U.S. Those forms may be riskier. The article also notes that more research is needed, especially on long term effects and potential for abuse given its opioid like properties.
Ongoing Kratom Debate
The Bloomberg kratom article takes a fair approach by pointing out the ongoing debate around kratom. While the FDA found no serious side effects in the study, the agency is still warning about kratom’s safety. At least six states have already banned it, citing addiction. But most deaths associated with kratom involved other substances, mainly fentanyl.
Despite the FDA’s warnings, many kratom enthusiasts say kratom is safe and well tolerated when used in its natural form. It’s been used for centuries in Southeast Asia as a pain reliever and to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms.
Review & Opinion: Kratom is Safe
The Bloomberg kratom article gets the cautious optimism right. The results show kratom in its natural, leaf form is relatively safe, especially when taken in capsules as was done in the study. That’s what kratom proponents have been saying all along, kratom is a viable alternative for relief or withdrawal management.
But the study didn’t look at the more concentrated forms of kratom which are more popular in the U.S. and more dangerous. The article is right, those potent products like kratom drinks marketed as alcohol alternatives are the real health risks. Despite those concerns the overall bulk of the study favors kratom in its natural form, so maybe widespread regulation or prohibition isn’t necessary.
Conclusion: Responsible Kratom Use Shows Promise
For kratom enthusiasts, the article is a good argument to keep kratom available. It says with responsible use, especially in its traditional form, kratom is safe and healthy. More research is needed to be sure of long term safety but the initial results are good for kratom’s therapeutic uses.
Sources:
Rutherford, F., & Milton, I. J. (2024, September 17). Kratom’s First FDA Study Suggests Capsules Safe at High Doses. Bloomberg. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-17/kratom-s-first-fda-study-suggests-capsules-safe-at-high-doses
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