The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health says the three deadly overdoses are tied to the Kratom compound known as 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
The victims were between the ages of 18 and 40 years old.
Authorities say that while alcohol was present in all cases, there were no other substances identified as substantially contributing to their deaths, and all of the victims were otherwise healthy.
"7-OH, the psychoactive component of kratom leaves, is being synthetically concentrated into various products that are sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and other retail and online venues in LA County," the Department of Public Health said in a news release. "They are often promoted as dietary supplements to address a broad range of issues such as pain, anxiety and mood disorders, opioid withdrawal, or energy/general well-being. These products come in various forms such as tablets, gummies, drink mixes, and concentrated ('enhanced' or 'super') liquid extracts or shots for drinking, which significantly increase its adverse and potentially life-threatening effects."
Officials say the products are often labeled as "plant alkaloids" or "alkaloid." High doses of 7-OH and/or co-used with alcohol or other sedatives can cause severe respiratory depression and death.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health says the safest course of action is to avoid using 7-OH or kratom products altogether.
SEE ALSO: FDA pushes for ban of potent Kratom derivative 7-OH amid safety concerns
FDA pushes for ban of potent Kratom derivative 7-OH amid safety concerns