With renewed interest in health and wellness, it’s no surprise that between 11 and 16 million Americans regularly use kratom as part of their daily routines. Depending on the strain, users report that kratom can contribute to increased focus and energy, help reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and reduce pain. Though the benefits of using kratom have not been confirmed by science and are mostly anecdotal, we can still learn a lot about the possible effects on the human body by studying its nutritional profile.
If you’ve ever wondered what nutrients can be derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, or kratom, as we commonly refer to it, follow along as we uncover the mystery of kratom nutritional value.
Kratom Nutrition Facts
Scientists are still working on providing the specifics when it comes to kratom nutritional value, but knowing what we do about other plant materials consumed as food and dietary supplements, we can safely assume certain things about kratom’s nutritional profile.
Calories
Are there calories in kratom? Calorie counter websites will tell you that kratom may contain anywhere from 0 to 7 calories per 2-gram serving of pure kratom powder. This value may not be completely accurate; however, since there have not been studies dedicated to exploring kratom nutritional value.
Additionally, depending on the method of consumption, your caloric intake from kratom could vary. Kratom powder mixed with sugary drinks or other kratom products like gummies and chocolates will include a higher calorie count than the kratom would alone. Ultimately, kratom is relatively low in calories no matter the product, but if you are counting calories, a kratom tea might be your best option.
Fiber
To understand how the body absorbs calories from kratom, it’s important to note that kratom is essentially made of fiber. The human body does not digest fiber, meaning that the body will not absorb most of the calories found in kratom.
Dietary fiber comes from plant matter and is an essential part of a healthy gut, especially when it comes to bowel health. This may be why some heavy kratom users report constipation and other gastrointestinal issues as possible side effects. Don’t fret if this is you. Just cut back on your dosage, and your bathroom visits should return to normal!
Macronutrients
“Macro” comes from the Greek word macros, which means large, and thus macronutrients are nutrients we need in large quantities, usually measured in grams. The three macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, all of which are integral to a balanced diet. So, does kratom contain any of these nutrients? Short answer? Yes– but in very small amounts.
Ultimately, kratom contains negligible amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, so don’t trade in your daily vitamins for a kratom capsule.
Micronutrients
Like their macro counterparts, micronutrients are nutrients needed in small amounts and are usually measured in milligrams or micrograms. Kratom likely has trace amounts of many micronutrients, such as Vitamin C, Iron, Potassium, and Calcium, but there is no scientific research to back this up. Similar plants have been studied for their micronutrient content and we can assume that kratom probably has some of the same vitamins and minerals, but again, these will be in insignificant amounts.
The Bottom Line
So, does kratom have nutritional value? Since kratom is intended only as a supplement to a healthy diet, a typical serving size will not satisfy the daily recommendation for any of the nutrients we’ve discussed. We know you were hoping kratom might solve all your health problems, but you’ll still need to maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and get a good night’s sleep *sigh*. This doesn’t mean there are no health benefits to using kratom, though!
Other Reported Health Benefits
Though kratom does not contain a significant amount of nutrients, it can still be used as a supplement to help maintain overall health and well-being. Users have self-reported the following benefits of taking kratom as part of their daily health routines:
- Better sleep habits
- Improved mood and motivation
- Energy and focus booster
- Anxiety and depression reduction
- Pain relief
Science has not confirmed these benefits, so be sure to check in with your doctor if you plan to take kratom in place of traditional medicine.
Kratom Gecko Has You Covered
If you still have questions or want to learn more about the Gecko’s kratom, feel free to reach out to us! The team at Kratom Gecko has a wealth of knowledge and can put your mind at ease. Shop our line of high-quality kratom products today.
