Unlocking the Nutrition Facts of Kratom: Calories, Vitamins, & More

We’ll explore the nutritional value of kratom, its potential benefits, and its limitations. Whether you’re curious about the health benefits of this herb or are considering incorporating it into your wellness routine, here are the facts you need to know.

Let’s get started!

What is kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain compounds that produce both stimulant and sedative effects, making it a popular alternative to prescription drugs.

SE Asian locals have used kratom for centuries for medicinal and recreational purposes. The plant’s leaves are known for their active compounds that may have potential therapeutic effects. 

Kratom is often used as a natural remedy for various mind and body ailments. The respective veins (white, green, and red) each deliver slightly different effects. Some may provide mental clarity, physical energy, and a mood boost. Others could relieve tension and worry.

Products like red Maeng Da powder or other types of kratom powder or kratom capsules may offer an improved mood and discomfort management. White variants are more stimulating, while green vein strains deliver balanced effects.

What is the nutritional value of kratom?

While kratom’s nutrition facts haven’t been extensively studied, it’s known to contain several essential nutrients, including:

• Antioxidants: The herb’s polyphenols and flavonoids may protect the body against oxidative stress and free radical damage.
• Minerals: Kratom has small amounts of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
• Vitamins: It also contains trace amounts of vitamins C and B2 (riboflavin).

Here’s an overview of its nutritional profile:

Kratom isn’t consumed as a food source because it holds no significant nutritional value. Instead, it’s typically used as a supplement or traditional medicine for potential health benefits. 

Calories in kratom

Calories describe the energy that food or beverages provide to the body when ingested. Living beings must consume a certain number of daily calories to maintain essential functions like breathing, walking, and digestion. 

A person’s calorie needs vary based on age, gender, weight, height, and level of physical activity.

Does kratom have calories? Mitragyna speciosa doesn’t contain significant calories and isn’t consumed as a food source. A teaspoon of powder or a two-gram serving reportedly contains only 7.4 calories. 

When cooking with kratom, specific foods or snacks may contain ingredients with higher caloric values, like sugar or honey.

Does kratom have carbs?

Carbohydrates, protein, and fat are the three main macronutrients in food. They’re commonly found in fruits, vegetables, and grains and break down into glucose, which the body uses for energy. 

Simple carbohydrates, such as the sugar in fruit, candy, and soda, are quickly absorbed by the body. In contrast, complex carbohydrates in whole grains are digested more slowly and provide more sustained energy.

Are there any carbs in kratom?

It’s difficult to determine the exact carbohydrate content of kratom without more detailed studies and research. Mitragyna speciosa is a plant-based supplement without sugar or starch, so the carbohydrate content is negligible.

Carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet. They provide the body with energy and can also deliver other nutrients. It’s recommended that carbs make up about 45–65% of your total daily caloric intake.

Does kratom have vitamins?

Vitamins are organic compounds essential for growth and development and are important in maintaining good health. Your body primarily obtains these micronutrients through your diet.

There are 13 essential vitamins that the body needs to function properly, including vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B. 

Although you should consume healthy foods to meet your daily requirements, some people may need vitamin supplements to meet their nutritional needs. 

There’s currently little scientific evidence on the number of micronutrients in kratom. It may be similar to other plants with a comparable composition and include:

• Vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, C, E, and K1
• Calcium, potassium, and phosphorus
• Iron, magnesium, and zinc
• Sodium

Research suggests most green plants contain these organic compounds. Therefore, we can deduce that a kratom leaf also contains the above mentioned vitamins.

While kratom may contain some vitamins, it’s not typically considered a significant source of nutrients. Consume a balanced diet with various fruits and vegetables to increase your daily vitamin intake.

Does kratom have fiber?

Fiber is a carbohydrate that the body can’t digest or absorb. It’s also sometimes called “dietary fiber” or “roughage.” Plant-based foods that contain fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.

Fiber can be placed in one of two categories. Soluble fiber dissolves in water easily, while insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract moderately intact. Both are essential for maintaining digestive health and promoting regularity.

Adults should consume 25–38 grams of fiber daily, depending on age and sex. Eating fiber-rich foods will help you meet your daily needs and support good health.

The Mitragyna speciosa plant isn’t commonly known for its fiber content. While it contains some nutrients, there’s limited information available about the fiber content of kratom. However, the leaves may contain small amounts of dietary fiber like many plant-based foods.

What are the nutritional benefits of kratom?

Kratom leaves may contain several micronutrients:

• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that supports the immune system and helps with iron absorption.
• Calcium: A mineral for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
• Iron: An essential nutrient for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
• Potassium: A vital mineral for maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance.

The nutritional content varies depending on the specific strain, the growing conditions, and the harvesting methods used. 

The bottom line

Does kratom have calories to support a healthy lifestyle? Probably not.

While kratom may contain micronutrients such as vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium, it can’t replace a balanced and varied diet. It should be viewed primarily as a natural remedy.

Only buy from reputable suppliers to ensure you receive pure, organic products. At Kratom Country, our high-quality supplements undergo strict testing and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQs

Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions about the nutritional content of kratom.

Is kratom gluten-free?

Kratom is generally considered gluten-free as it’s a plant-based substance. It doesn’t contain gluten, wheat, barley, or rye protein. Some products may be processed in facilities that also process gluten-containing products. 

If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, read the labels of kratom products carefully and consult a healthcare provider should you have concerns.

How does the nutritional content of kratom vary across different strains?

The nutritional content of kratom may vary across strains due to differences in soil, climate, and other environmental factors. While kratom isn’t a significant source of nutrients, different strains may have varying amounts of alkaloids responsible for the effects of kratom. 

Can kratom be considered a healthy dietary supplement?

Kratom has been used traditionally in Southeast Asia for its potential health benefits since at least the 19th century. However, it’s currently not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and doesn’t hold any significant nutritional value.

Can kratom be used as a meal replacement?

Kratom isn’t intended as a meal replacement as it doesn’t contain significant calories, macronutrients, vitamins, or minerals required for healthy nutrition. 

While kratom may provide some health benefits, it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a healthy diet. A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is essential for maintaining good health and preventing deficiencies.

What are the potential nutritional benefits of consuming kratom tea?

Kratom tea is a traditional consumption method that may offer some potential nutritional benefits:

• Improved hydration: It may keep the body hydrated, essential for maintaining good health.
• Improved digestion: It could improve digestion and alleviate symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
• Potential anti-inflammatory properties: Kratom leaves contain alkaloids that may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be useful in treating conditions such as arthritis.
• Potential antioxidant properties: Kratom reportedly has antioxidant properties, which may protect the body against damage from free radicals.

Are there any studies investigating the impact of consuming kratom on long-term health outcomes?

Some studies have investigated the impact of consuming kratom long-term. The research is limited, and more studies are needed to understand the potential implications. A few sources suggest some potential positive health effects of consuming kratom. 

Self-management of depression and anxiety with kratom was studied in 2021 at the hand of the COVID-19 pandemic. While progress was noted in mood disorders without escalating drug abuse, the possibility of relapse remained a concern.

Current perspectives on the impact of kratom use offer a broader stance on society’s use. The study recommends additional research to support and expand on current findings and the implementation of regulations.

Authors Veltri and Grundmann also state that healthcare providers should be trained to help patients avoid drug interactions and make the best decision when using kratom.