Herbal supplement kratom has killed 91 Americans across 27 states

Herbal supplement kratom has killed 91 Americans across 27 states, report reveals – double the rate health officials previously thought

• Previously, officials knew of 44 deaths across the US
• A new government report shows the number is closer to 90 

US health officials say overdose deaths involving the herbal supplement kratom are more common than previously reported.

A government report released Thursday said kratom was a cause in 91 overdose deaths in 27 states. Officials previously said they knew of 44 nationally.

Most who died had also taken heroin, fentanyl or other drugs. 

But kratom was the only substance detected in seven of the deaths.

A US government report released Thursday, April 11, 2019 said the herbal supplement was a cause in 91 overdose deaths in 27 states

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the numbers after combing through death certificates and toxicology reports from an 18-month period.

Kratom comes from a plant native to Southeast Asia. It is sold in capsules and powders with claims that it helps ease pain, anxiety and drug dependence.

Officials say it causes euphoric effects like the opioid drugs behind the current nationwide overdose epidemic.

 

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