Kratom Lab Testing & Quality Assurance (What’s Tested & Why)

Made from the leaves of the tropical Mitragyna speciosa tree, kratom is a natural product that offers a variety of wellness benefits. However, not all kratom is the same. When you’re shopping for kratom products online, it’s vital to choose suppliers (like Kratom Gecko!) that have their kratom tested and verified by a third-party lab. Lab-tested kratom offers peace of mind. Lab tests can screen for impurities like heavy metals and ensure that no pathogens, pesticides, or other harmful substances are present in your kratom. Additionally, testing guarantees that you’re receiving the highest quality kratom with consistent alkaloid content. Experienced kratom users and newbies alike should be aware of the importance of lab testing. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about kratom testing and quality assurance.

Why Testing Matters

Currently, kratom products are not federally regulated in the United States. This means that kratom suppliers aren’t subject to the same quality control standards as products governed by the Food and Drug Administration. If you order kratom that hasn’t been lab tested, you may end up receiving a low-quality product that contains additives, chemical preservatives, or other impurities. This may include heavy metals or other potentially harmful substances. Additionally, individuals with food allergies are advised to stay away from untested kratom because it may contain trace particles of allergens or unknown ingredients that may trigger allergies. Lab-tested kratom also guarantees the alkaloid content of your kratom. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, alkaloids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are found in certain plants. Whether you’re purchasing capsules, powder, or other forms of kratom, alkaloids are a vital element of your kratom journey. The kratom plant contains numerous alkaloids that are metabolized within the brain, resulting in its pleasing sensations and other beneficial effects. The primary alkaloids in kratom are called Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Depending on the strain, different types of kratom have a higher percentage of one alkaloid versus the other. When kratom is tested in a lab, the suppliers can determine this balance and label the kratom accordingly. This means you’ll know which alkaloid-dominant strain you’re receiving and understand what to expect from your kratom. Finally, lab testing also verifies the freshness of your kratom. As a natural product, kratom does expire. Although there are ways to store your kratom to maintain its freshness as long as possible, it’s still important to buy a product with a longer shelf life. When kratom hasn’t been tested, it’s harder to predict how long it will last.

What Do Labs Test For?

Some companies may test their kratom for different reasons. However, the majority of labs will screen the product for the following: Microbial Contaminants: Lab testing ensures that the kratom does not contain pathogens, bacteria, mold spores, or other potentially harmful microbes. Heavy Metals: Because it comes from a plant, kratom may potentially absorb heavy metals from the soil where it is grown. Although most growers take great care to cultivate their kratom in natural environments free from toxic contaminants, lab testing verifies that the final product does not contain harmful levels of any heavy metals. Pesticides and Herbicides: Similar to testing for heavy metals, labs can screen the kratom to verify that there are no harmful levels of pesticides or herbicides. Alkaloid Content: As mentioned above, labs also check the alkaloid content of different kratom strains. This allows the suppliers to ensure their products are correctly categorized as white vein, green vein, or red vein kratom, depending on the alkaloid balance determined by the lab. Tests can also determine the potency of the alkaloids. Preservatives, Additives, and Other Impurities: The best kratom is 100% natural, with no preservatives to artificially extend shelf life or additives to inflate weight. Through third-party lab testing, kratom sellers can guarantee that their products are pure.

Types of Kratom Testing Methods

Different labs have different methods for testing kratom. However, the two most common methods are called High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). In HPLC testing, compounds are dissolved in a liquid sample, which is then analyzed for its different chemical components. HPLC is used to measure kratom alkaloid levels and check for traces of chemical impurities. GC-MS is similar but uses gaseous compounds rather than liquids. This method of testing can verify kratom’s biochemical composition, check for additives or artificial ingredients, and more.

How To Tell If Kratom is Lab Tested

Now that you understand the importance of choosing kratom that’s been chemically verified by an independent, third-party lab, how do you make sure you’re buying lab-tested kratom? If you’re shopping for kratom online, review the company’s website. Look for verification seals and read product descriptions to make sure they state their product has been lab-tested. You can also reach out to their customer service to ask for a Certificate of Analysis. At Kratom Gecko, all our products are independently tested by a third-party lab for purity, potency, and freshness. Shop now for high-quality, 100% natural, and verified kratom.