Research · 2025-06-17
Kratom Use Linked to Lower LDL, Triglycerides, and BMI in Meta-Analysis of 1,458 Adults
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Why it matters
Metabolic syndrome affects nearly a quarter of the global population and is a leading driver of cardiovascular disease. If kratom genuinely alters lipid and metabolic markers, it raises important questions about potential therapeutic properties — and risks — that require further study.
The big picture
Previous individual studies from Southeast Asia had observed associations between kratom use and favorable lipid profiles, but none had attempted to pool the evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis is the first to formally synthesize data from multiple cross-sectional studies. Metabolic syndrome includes elevated blood pressure, high triglycerides, low HDL, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood sugar — all major cardiovascular risk factors.
Key findings
- Meta-analysis pooled data from 5 cross-sectional studies involving 1,458 adults comparing kratom users to non-users
- Kratom users had significantly lower LDL cholesterol (mean difference: -0.25 mmol/L) and lower triglycerides (mean difference: -0.17 mmol/L)
- HDL "good" cholesterol was significantly higher in kratom users (mean difference: +0.07 mmol/L)
- Body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in kratom users (mean difference: -1.52 kg/m²)
- Total cholesterol and blood sugar differences were not statistically significant
- Authors caution that all included studies were cross-sectional, limiting causal inference; longitudinal studies are needed
What they say
The authors conclude that "kratom use in the adult population was associated with lower LDL-c, TG, BMI, and higher HDL-c levels," but note that "the findings suggest kratom use may have a protective effect against certain metabolic risk factors" — while calling for longitudinal studies to confirm.
Bottom line
Kratom users show a consistently favorable metabolic profile across multiple studies, but cross-sectional designs prevent causal conclusions — this is a hypothesis, not a health claim.