Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves are typically harvested, dried, and ground into a fine powder for consumption. As interest in its effects has grown, people tracking their dietary intake often ask about its nutritional composition, particularly its carbohydrate content. Kratom powder contains various organic compounds, including the macronutrients found in food.
The Macronutrient Profile of Kratom Powder
Kratom powder contains all three major macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. It is not considered a source of significant nutritional value because the quantities are very small in a typical serving size. In an average 2-gram dose of kratom powder, the total carbohydrate content is generally estimated to be around 1.5 grams.
The protein and fat content in the same serving are negligible, often measuring less than 0.2 grams and 0.1 grams, respectively. Carbohydrates make up the largest portion of the powder’s mass, excluding water content. Since the powder is dried, pulverized plant matter, much of its weight is composed of structural components, which are primarily carbohydrates.
Understanding Fiber and Net Carbohydrates
The total carbohydrate count listed for kratom powder can be misleading without understanding the role of fiber. Total carbohydrates include starches, sugars, and dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the human body cannot digest or absorb, meaning it does not contribute calories or affect blood sugar levels.
Kratom powder is a highly fibrous substance, and most of its carbohydrate content is indigestible plant fiber. Net carbohydrates, or digestible carbs, are calculated by subtracting the grams of fiber from the total grams of carbohydrates. Because the majority of the estimated 1.5 grams of carbohydrates in a standard dose is fiber, the resulting net carbohydrate count is very low, often less than a single gram.
How Preparation Affects Carbohydrate Intake
The method used to consume kratom significantly influences the final carbohydrate intake. When the raw kratom powder is ingested, such as through the “toss and wash” method or by filling capsules, the consumer takes in the entire dose, including all the fiber and total carbohydrates. In this scenario, 100% of the fiber and carbs are consumed.
However, many people choose to brew kratom tea by steeping the powder or leaves in hot water. This process extracts the active alkaloids into the liquid but leaves the bulk of the insoluble plant matter behind. If the solids are filtered out and discarded after brewing, the resulting tea infusion contains virtually no fiber and, consequently, a negligible amount of total and net carbohydrates.
Kratom and Low-Carb Diets
For individuals following low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets, the primary concern is the intake of net carbohydrates. Due to the high percentage of fiber in kratom powder, the actual net carbohydrate count for a typical single serving is minimal. This makes pure kratom powder, when consumed in standard amounts, generally compatible with strict low-carb eating plans, as it is unlikely to disrupt ketosis.
However, dieters must be careful with pre-made kratom products. Extracts, liquid shots, or flavored mixes often include added sugars, syrups, or other ingredients to improve taste or form. These added components introduce non-fiber carbohydrates and calories, which could quickly raise the net carbohydrate count. Checking the nutritional label for added ingredients is necessary to ensure the product remains low-carb.