Kratom has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many purported health benefits. However, with this rise in popularity, there has also been an increase in low-quality and even contaminated Kratom products on the market. This highlights the importance of only buying Kratom from reputable vendors that provide lab testing and analysis.
Importance of lab testing
When looking to buy kratom powder or products online, it is essential to only purchase from vendors that provide thorough lab testing and analysis. This is the only way to ensure the safety, quality, and potency of any Kratom you are consuming.
- Checks for contaminants – Kratom products sometimes be contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria, mold, or other hazardous substances. Comprehensive lab testing allows vendors to screen for dangerous contaminants.
- Verifies potency – Kratom alkaloid content varies widely between different batches. Lab testing ensures each batch contains an adequate mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine percentage to provide the desired effects.
- Screens for adulterants – Unscrupulous vendors may spike their Kratom with illegal or dangerous drugs or other added ingredients. Lab tests detect adulterants and confirm pure, unadulterated Kratom powder.
- Ensures consistency – Testing each batch provides consistency by ensuring each one meets quality and potency standards. This provides a reliable experience for consumers.
- Validates product claims – If a vendor claims their Kratom is “high grade” or “extra strength,” lab data confirm product marketing matches actual properties.
Types of lab testing
There are several different types of lab testing that reputable Kratom vendors use to ensure safety and quality.
- Microbiology screening – Checks for bacteria, mold, yeast, E. coli, and other contaminants.
- Heavy metals testing – Screens for hazardous metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.
- Alkaloid concentration – Verifies levels of key active compounds mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine.
- Adulterant screening – Using GC-MS testing to check for adulterants, fillers, or other additives.
- Pesticide screening – Confirms no pesticide residue is present on raw Kratom materials.
- Solvent residue testing – Checks for any traces of chemical solvents used in processing.
The specific combination of tests may vary between vendors and products, but the most thorough lab testing will include all or most of these screening methods.
Reviewing vendor lab reports
When shopping for Kratom online, be sure to review the independent 3rd party lab reports that a vendor provides. Reputable sellers will list these reports prominently on the website or provide them upon request. Checking the lab data allows you to confirm testing has been performed and verify the purity and potency of a product.
- Name of the testing lab – Should be a recognized, accredited facility.
- Type of tests conducted – Such as microbiology, metals, and alkaloids.
- Testing dates – Reports should be recent, within the last few months.
- Results – Should show the product is free of contaminants and adulterants.
- Batch or lot number – The report should correspond to the product batch you have purchased.
If a vendor does not provide thorough, up-to-date lab reports from a legitimate lab, it is better to avoid purchasing the product.
