U.S. Health Officials Call for Nationwide Ban on Opioid-Related Ingredient in Energy Drinks and Supplements
By MATTHEW PERRONE, AP Health Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a recent statement, U.S. health officials have issued a warning about the dangers of an opioid-related ingredient that is being added to energy drinks, gummies, and supplements sold at gas stations and convenience stores. They are recommending a nationwide ban on this chemical, known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, which is a component of kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia that has gained popularity in the U.S. as an unapproved treatment for various conditions.
Recent reports have highlighted concerns raised by dietary supplement companies regarding the products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, with claims that it is a dangerously concentrated, synthetic form of the original ingredient found in kratom. The FDA is taking action to address these concerns and educate the public about the risks associated with this ingredient.
The FDA Commissioner, Marty Makary, emphasized that 7-hydroxymitragynine is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine, and regulation and public education are necessary to prevent further issues related to the opioid epidemic.
The FDA’s recommendation for a nationwide ban on products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine will be reviewed by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which oversees regulations for high-risk drugs. This move comes after years of scrutiny of kratom by federal regulators due to reports of addiction, injury, and overdose.
In response to the FDA’s recent warning letters to companies selling products with 7-hydroxymitragynine, supplement executives have expressed support for the agency’s actions. The American Kratom Association has advocated against stricter regulations on kratom, while the FDA continues to issue warnings about unapproved drugs sold as supplements or energy drinks.
Overall, the FDA’s efforts to address the risks associated with 7-hydroxymitragynine and other potentially harmful substances highlight the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers from dangerous products.
Originally Published: July 29, 2025 at 11:14 AM MDT
