Washington, D.C.—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the presence of heavy metals in kratom products at concentrations not considered safe for human consumption,according to a statement from FDA.

FDA conducted laboratory testing of 30 different kratom products from a variety of sources. The analysis found significant levels of lead and nickel at unsafe concentrations.

The statement noted that, based on reported kratom usage patterns, heavy kratom users may be exposed to levels of lead and nickel many times greater than the safe daily exposure, and a long-term user could potentially develop heavy metal poisoning.

According to Medscape, former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., said the FDA has been trying to work with the companies whose products contain high levels of heavy metals. Medscape quoted Dr. Gottlieb as saying: “The data from these results support our public warning about the risk of heavy metals in kratom products. The findings of identifying heavy metals in kratom only strengthen our public health warnings around this substance and concern for the health and safety of Americans using it.”

Medscape noted that FDA scientists have found that the compounds in kratom act like prescription-strength opioids, and that kratom has been linked to numerous deaths.