A US family is sounding the alarm on kratom after their 37-year-old son died from taking the highly addictive supplement. Jordan McKibban mixed kratom with his lemonade, and despite efforts to revive him, he was unable to be saved.
Kratom, marketed as an “all-natural” pain reliever, can also help reduce anxiety and depression. However, it’s not regulated by the FDA and has been linked to a growing number of poison control calls. In 2011-2017, there were over 1,800 reported cases of kratom exposure.
The US Food and Drug Administration has suggested classifying an addictive kratom offshoot called 7-hydroxymitragynine as an illicit substance due to its potential for addiction and overdose. This move could mark a shift in the government’s approach to regulating kratom.
Experts warn that kratom use can lead to agitation, psychosis, and even death. The FDA has described it as a “drug of concern.” A proposed classification could help protect consumers from the risks associated with this substance.
As concerns about kratom grow, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr plans to crack down on its sale. He says the industry is marketing kratom to children in ways that are “sinister” and “candy-flavored.” Experts recommend educating parents and loved ones about the dangers of kratom and seeking help if a family member struggles with addiction.
A similar offshoot, 7-hydroxymitragynine, has been found to have opioid-like effects and is considered more addictive. The FDA recommends regulation and public education to prevent another wave of substance abuse.
Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/kratom-death-over-the-counter-supplement-rfk-jr-b2803291.html