What heavy metals are tested in kratom and 7-OH products?

The standard panel tests for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As). These are the four metals of greatest regulatory concern in dietary supplements and botanical products.

What method is used for heavy metal testing?

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is the current analytical standard. Older methods such as ICP-OES and atomic absorption are still in use but offer lower sensitivity.

United States Pharmacopeia chapter establishes per-day limits for elemental contaminants in dietary supplements. ICH Q3D applies to pharmaceutical products. The AKA GMP Standards Program specifies kratom-specific limits for member vendors. Specific numerical values vary by element and route of exposure; consult the current USP/ICH/AKA documents.

Why are botanical products at risk for heavy metal contamination?

Plants accumulate metals from soil along with the nutrients they take up for growth. Soil composition, agricultural inputs, and proximity to industrial activity all influence metal content. Processing equipment can also introduce contamination if not properly designed and maintained.

Where do heavy metal results appear?

On every reputable Certificate of Analysis. Look for separate result lines for Pb, Cd, Hg, and As, each with the measured concentration and the acceptance criterion.

What does 'pass' mean for heavy metal screening?

It means the measured concentration of each element, multiplied by the labeled serving size, falls below the applicable per-day limit. The COA should disclose both the result and the limit so verification is straightforward.

Lab Testing & Quality

Heavy Metal Screening

At-a-glance comparison

Spec	Value
What is tested	Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) - the four metals of greatest regulatory concern
Standard analytical method	Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); legacy methods include ICP-OES and atomic absorption
Standards reference	USP <2232> Elemental Contaminants in Dietary Supplements; ICH Q3D for pharmaceutical elemental impurities; AOAC validated methods
Why botanical products are at risk	Plants accumulate metals from soil; processing equipment can introduce contamination
Where results appear	On every reputable kratom and 7-OH product Certificate of Analysis
Typical reporting units	Parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb), interpreted against USP <2232> per-day limits

What is heavy metal screening?

Heavy metal screening is the analytical testing of a product for low-level contamination by toxic metals. For botanical products, including kratom and 7-OH-containing products, the four metals of greatest regulatory and health-protection concern are lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As). These metals can be present in plant material because plants take them up from soil along with the macro- and micro-nutrients they require for growth, and contamination can also be introduced during processing through contact with equipment, water, or other ingredients.

How heavy metals are measured?

The current analytical standard is inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In this technique, a small portion of the sample is digested in concentrated acid to convert all material to a homogeneous solution, then nebulized into a plasma at extremely high temperature where every atom is ionized. The resulting ions are mass-analyzed to determine the concentration of each element with high sensitivity (often parts per billion or lower).

Older techniques such as inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) are still in use in some laboratories but offer lower sensitivity than ICP-MS. The choice of method should be disclosed on the Certificate of Analysis.

Acceptance criteria and regulatory framework

United States Pharmacopeia chapter establishes per-day limits for elemental contaminants in dietary supplements, with limits varying by element and by intended route of exposure. The International Council for Harmonisation Q3D guideline plays a similar role for pharmaceutical products. AOAC International publishes validated methods for elemental analysis in food and botanical matrices.

Compliance with these acceptance criteria is determined by comparing the measured concentration of each element in the product, multiplied by the labeled serving size, against the per-day limit. The American Kratom Association GMP Standards Program specifies kratom-specific elemental impurity limits and audit requirements for member vendors.

Common questions about heavy metal screening

What heavy metals are tested in kratom and 7-OH products?: The standard panel tests for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As). These are the four metals of greatest regulatory concern in dietary supplements and botanical products.
What method is used for heavy metal testing?: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is the current analytical standard. Older methods such as ICP-OES and atomic absorption are still in use but offer lower sensitivity.
What limits apply?: United States Pharmacopeia chapter establishes per-day limits for elemental contaminants in dietary supplements. ICH Q3D applies to pharmaceutical products. The AKA GMP Standards Program specifies kratom-specific limits for member vendors. Specific numerical values vary by element and route of exposure; consult the current USP/ICH/AKA documents.
Why are botanical products at risk for heavy metal contamination?: Plants accumulate metals from soil along with the nutrients they take up for growth. Soil composition, agricultural inputs, and proximity to industrial activity all influence metal content. Processing equipment can also introduce contamination if not properly designed and maintained.
Where do heavy metal results appear?: On every reputable Certificate of Analysis. Look for separate result lines for Pb, Cd, Hg, and As, each with the measured concentration and the acceptance criterion.
What does 'pass' mean for heavy metal screening?: It means the measured concentration of each element, multiplied by the labeled serving size, falls below the applicable per-day limit. The COA should disclose both the result and the limit so verification is straightforward.

References

United States Pharmacopeia. (2024). General Chapter Elemental Contaminants in Dietary Supplements.
International Council for Harmonisation. (2019). ICH Q3D(R1) Guideline for Elemental Impurities.
AOAC International. Official Methods of Analysis.
American Kratom Association. AKA GMP Standards Program. https://www.americankratom.org/aka-gmp-program

Important safety information:

Products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are sold for adult use only (21+). These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has raised safety concerns regarding concentrated 7-OH products; consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Do not operate vehicles or machinery after use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Laws vary by state, buyers are responsible for knowing applicable law.

Oops, your cart is still empty