How Do Kratom Gummies Compare to Regular Kratom?

As kratom is increasingly becoming popular in the U.S and other places around the world, vendors are becoming more creative by launching different kratom products. One of the latest is mitragynine gummies. These gummies are a more concentrated form of kratom, which calls for a proper understanding of dosage for the best experience.

This article covers how mitragynine gummies compare to plain leaf kratom in terms of dosage, effects, and how to practice using them responsibly.

Mitragynine and Kratom’s Alkaloids Explained

Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, is a herb that contains at least 50 alkaloids. These alkaloids are responsible for the different effects users experience after taking kratom. But of all the alkaloids, only a handful have been studied, and it’s shown that mitragynine is the most abundant alkaloid in kratom.

Mitragynine makes up about 60% of the total alkaloids, and together with another potent alkaloid known as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), both compounds are responsible for the primary effects of kratom. Mitragynine is responsible for potentially boosting mood and energy at lower doses, and may provide relaxation at higher doses. 7-OH, though far less abundant in quantity than mitragynine, is more potent and mainly responsible for kratom’s strong calming and soothing properties.

To produce mitragynine gummies, mitragynine is extracted and isolated from regular kratom leaf. So the only alkaloid typically in kratom gummies is mitragynine (but make sure to read the label). Whereas, for plain kratom leaf, all the alkaloids, including mitragynine, are present in varying amounts.

Mitragynine Gummies Vs Kratom Leaf: How They Compare in Doses

Both gummies and natural kratom leaf have different compositions of alkaloids.

So let’s do some math here: The total alkaloid concentration in dried kratom leaves can range from 0.5 to 1.5%. And the average kratom leaf often tests for around 0.6-1% of mitragynine. These figures can slightly vary from strain to strain.

Therefore:

5 grams of kratom leaf is (0.6-1%) x 5 = roughly 30-50 mg of mitragynine.

So whenever users see mitragynine gummies labeled with 30-50 mg of pure mitragynine, they are equivalent to roughly 5 grams of kratom leaf. For users taking gummies, never make the mistake of equating the dose with the normal leaf. The gummies are isolated, and they are therefore stronger than plain leaves. The chart below is a rough guide but always read the label to understand the ingredients and the percentages.

• 5 grams of kratom leaf = ~30-50 mg mitragynine
• 4 grams of kratom leaf = ~24-40 mg mitragynine
• 3 grams of kratom leaf = ~18-30 mg mitragynine
• 2.5 grams of kratom = ~15-25 mg mitragynine
• 2 grams of kratom leaf = ~12-20 mg mitragynine

Why Gummies May Feel Different Than Regular Kratom

Kratom is a plant that has the potential to offer a wide range of benefits. It contains many different alkaloids, and each of them (or at least the most studied ones) may offer something slightly unique. The combination of all the alkaloids in natural kratom leaf offers a full-spectrum profile that may provide a smoother and longer-lasting effect.

But for mitragynine gummies, it has just one alkaloid, which is mitragynine. And since mitragynine is known to be potentially energizing, the gummies are known to be potentially more energizing than full-spectrum kratom.

So, gummies are mostly one-dimensional (energizing, mood-boosting effect), while kratom leaves might be more multi-dimensional (energizing, soothing, and calming). This is why some users say they feel more energized when they eat gummies. Sugar-based gummies may also boost bioavailability and digestion, hence possibly making gummies absorb faster than the normal powdered leaf.

What to Know About Tolerance and Dependence from Both Forms

With mitragynine gummies, we are typically dealing with a single alkaloid. While for the kratom leaf, we are dealing with many alkaloids. This difference might impact how fast tolerance builds in both. Since there is variation of alkaloids with regular kratom, it may produce tolerance less quickly than an extract. As for the extract gummies that contain just one alkaloid, the brain might adapt more quickly, leading to faster development of tolerance.

Taking regular breaks from any kratom product is essential to let the body reset and reduce tolerance. Also, take your time to understand the differences in their servings to avoid taking too much regular kratom or gummiest. It is best practice to stay under 6 grams of regular kratom, or the same equivalent dosage in gummy form (eg. 1 gummy).

In all, moderation and consistency are essential for getting the best from kratom.

Practical Tips and Responsible Use

Even though isolated mitragynine may carry a higher risk of tolerance and habit-formation, kratom powder is also not free from it. Follow the tips below to reduce these potential risks from kratom:

• Track dosages to find your sweet spot. Always start with small quantities and gauge slowly until the right target is hit.
• Avoid frequent redosing, as it is the major cause of high tolerance, which increases the risk of dependence.
• Learn to take breaks from kratom. A simple 3-4 days off per week is a good minimum recommendation.
• Stay below 6 grams maximum of natural kratom.

Final Take

Mitragynine kratom gummies and plain leaf kratom may affect users slightly differently. Gummies are typically mitragynine isolates, which means they are more concentrated and stronger than full-spectrum kratom. However, the effects of gummies are often one-dimensional, while kratom powder has a fuller spectrum profile.

Be mindful of dosages, as 5 grams of kratom powder is never equal to 5 grams of mitragynine gummies. Make sure to read the label and understand the ingredients and exactly how much mitragynine is in one gummy before using.

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