When you try kratom for the first time, it is always better to know what kind of product should be selected. More importantly, you must consider the quality of the product.
We always recommend consumers buy authentic and pure kratom because if the products are not fresh and potent, you will not feel any significant impact. The raw materials used for any of the products must be from the all-natural forests of Southeast Asia. These products must be made through precise measures. Laboratory testing of all the items is also a must. Why is kratom lab testing important? Let’s find out.
Importance of Kratom Lab Testing
Laboratory tests are a part of ensuring that the kratom item is worth using. If a kratom item is not tested in third-party laboratories, it is not a good purchase. These tests are an essential milestone if you want to experience the energizing impact of fresh and clean kratom.
These tests are instrumental in many ways, which is why the AKA stresses this manufacturing step. Here are the features that laboratory testing offers:
- Ensure product quality,
- Products are safe for customers,
- Consistency between batches can be checked.
What We Test Kratom For?
When the lab test is being conducted, a few things are checked in the product as a priority. You can check them out here:
1. Heavy Metals
Heavy metals can exist in organic substances since agricultural and irrigation practices are sometimes not followed to maintain the purity and authenticity of the botanicals. Moreover, the processing may result in some minute amounts of metals.
2. Alkaloids
The main component of kratom that brings about the desired effects is alkaloids. These chemical compounds are found in all kratom strains in varying amounts. Laboratory testing can determine the amounts of alkaloids and also the types of alkaloids available in each strain that you use.
3. Identity
The kind of strains that you would like to use can vary in effects. Sometimes some subpar vendors can sell a particular strain and claim it is a more exotic and rare variety. A laboratory test can clarify the confusion so that consumers cannot be fooled and purchase and pay for the strain in the package.
4. Pathogens
Pathogens such as bacteria and mold spores are present in all organic substances, and these tests can determine the content of such microbes. E-coli, Salmonella, mold, yeast, and coliforms are some pathogens that need to be screened.
Procedure for Kratom Lab Testing
The laboratory tests are numerous, and all of them aim to determine the efficacy and purity of kratom. The components stated by the vendor are part of the testing, while other tests determine contaminants, alkaloids, and even the manufacturing date and alkaloid activity. Manufacturers send samples to third-party labs that are regarded as ethical and unbiased. All the above-mentioned factors are tested in stages, and a final report is created.
If the lab tests detect pathogens or infectious bacteria, it tells the user about the harvesting practices of kratom. Similarly, if there is contamination, it means that the product was not packaged properly.
How To Read Kratom Lab Testing Report?
Reading and analyzing the results may not seem simple, but it is easy for consumers to find the best products and see what each contains. There are a few things that you must be capable of finding in the lab tests:
- First, ensure that the lab selected for testing is an acclaimed, neutral facility.
- Ensure that the Kratom strain mentioned on the jar or bag is the same as in the lab results.
- Check the lab test results date to see if the product is fresh and potent. Sometimes the test results are accurate, but the product is so old that it becomes stale, and the efficacy factor diminishes.
- Examine if there are any heavy metals or pathogens. These components can be highly dangerous, and the acceptable amounts are nil, so even a tiny amount of these contaminants can be harmful.
- Examine the presence of mold and other pathogens in detail. Many illnesses caused by these pathogens can be long-term, so these contaminants must be avoided at all costs.
What Should Lab Test Report Contain?
The lab test report should contain a table of contents that explains the number of components, which include alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Moreover, the range of alkaloids that should be present in a particular strain is also given.
There will be a list of contaminant names and the product’s amount. The expiration and manufacturing dates are also mentioned in the test reports.
Consumers can buy any kratom product and see the lab test results, which summarize the alkaloids, pathogens, other contaminants, active alkaloids, and all the information that will help them decide whether the product is suitable for them or not.
Types of Tests
The various types of tests are used to determine different factors. The main lab test types used for kratom testing include:
- High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography,
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, and
- Thin Layer Chromatography.
These tests focus on industry standards followed for production, biological makeup, and the presence of other substances. All these tests will be an integral part of the assessment that will deduce whether you can use the product. Moreover, some reputed vendors share the details of each lab test typically used to ensure that their products are thoroughly checked and cleared.
Conclusion
Kratom lab testing is an integral part of its manufacturing process as these tests help consumers understand if the product is suitable for them or not. Moreover, the various components of the kratom product will be clear so you can decide whether you can use that particular strain. You can also decide if the vendor is reliable or if they are sourcing kratom from an all-natural forest in Southeast Asia.
