Table of Contents
- What Are Apricot Kernels?
- Bitter vs. Sweet Kernels
- The Myth of Vitamin B17
- What Is Amygdalin?
- How Amygdalin Turns Into Cyanide
- How Cyanide Affects the Body
- Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning
- Documented Cases of Toxicity
- Regulatory Standards and Warnings
- What Science Says About B17 and Cancer
- Do Apricot Kernels Have Any Benefits?
- Safe Ways to Consume Apricot Kernels
- Who Should Avoid Them Completely?
- Alternatives to Bitter Apricot Kernels
- How to Read Labels and Buy Safely
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
What Are Apricot Kernels?
Apricot kernels are the small, almond-shaped seeds found inside the hard pit of an apricot. Once you crack open the outer shell of the fruit’s stone, you’ll find this seed, which resembles a small nut. While they may look like almonds and even taste somewhat similar, they are biochemically very different.
These kernels have been used in traditional medicine, particularly in some parts of Asia, where they are believed to offer digestive and respiratory benefits. However, their chemical makeup has made them a point of controversy, especially the bitter variety, which is known to contain amygdalin—a compound that can release cyanide in the body.
Bitter vs. Sweet Kernels
There are two types of apricot kernels: sweet and bitter. Sweet kernels are milder in flavor and pose less of a toxicity risk. They are sometimes used in baking or as flavoring agents. Bitter kernels, however, are the ones most often promoted for their supposed health benefits—despite being the more dangerous of the two.
Bitter kernels contain significantly higher concentrations of amygdalin, the compound that breaks down into hydrogen cyanide during digestion. Even small amounts of bitter kernels can reach toxic levels, especially if eaten raw and in large quantities. Distinguishing between the two types is critical for safety.
The Myth of Vitamin B17
One of the main reasons bitter apricot kernels gained popularity is due to the claim that they are rich in “vitamin B17,” also known as laetrile or amygdalin. However, vitamin B17 is not a true vitamin—it's not essential to human health and is not recognized as a vitamin by any reputable scientific or regulatory body.
The term was coined by marketers to promote the use of amygdalin/laetrile as a natural cancer treatment. Despite extensive marketing, there is no clinical evidence proving that vitamin B17 can cure or prevent cancer. In fact, its most notable effect in the body is the release of cyanide, which is highly toxic.
What Is Amygdalin?
Amygdalin is a naturally occurring compound found in the seeds of many fruits, including apricots, peaches, apples, and cherries. In bitter apricot kernels, it is present in high concentrations and is responsible for the seed’s distinct bitter taste. Amygdalin belongs to a group of compounds known as cyanogenic glycosides.
When metabolized in the human body, especially in the presence of certain gut enzymes, amygdalin is converted into hydrogen cyanide—a substance that is acutely toxic to humans. The higher the dose of amygdalin, the greater the amount of cyanide produced internally, which can lead to serious health risks.
How Amygdalin Turns Into Cyanide
The danger of bitter apricot kernels lies in how amygdalin is broken down during digestion. When consumed, amygdalin comes into contact with the enzyme beta-glucosidase in the gut, which helps convert it into hydrogen cyanide. This cyanide is then rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, interfering with the body’s ability to use oxygen.
In essence, consuming even a handful of bitter apricot kernels can lead to a dose of cyanide high enough to cause poisoning. The process is more pronounced when kernels are chewed thoroughly or consumed on an empty stomach, which increases enzymatic activity and cyanide release.
How Cyanide Affects the Body
Cyanide is a potent cellular toxin. It disrupts the electron transport chain in mitochondria, effectively halting cellular respiration. This means that the body can no longer use oxygen efficiently, leading to rapid organ failure. Even a small dose can be dangerous or fatal.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, seizures, cardiac arrest, and death. The onset can be rapid, and emergency medical treatment is often required to counteract the effects.
Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning
Recognizing cyanide poisoning early is crucial. Initial symptoms may mimic general illness—fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath—but can quickly escalate. The most common early warning signs include an almond-like smell on the breath, lightheadedness, rapid breathing, and confusion.
As toxicity increases, symptoms may progress to seizures, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrest. Because these symptoms can develop quickly and without much warning, consuming large amounts of bitter apricot kernels poses a serious and immediate health risk.
Documented Cases of Toxicity
There have been numerous documented cases of acute cyanide poisoning linked to apricot kernel consumption. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) notes that consuming just three small bitter apricot kernels can exceed safe levels of cyanide for adults, and just one kernel may be toxic to children.
In Australia and New Zealand, health authorities have issued warnings and bans after hospitalizations occurred. In some cases, individuals attempting to use apricot kernels as cancer treatment suffered severe poisoning, requiring emergency intervention. The World Health Organization has also flagged them as a public health concern when misused.
Regulatory Standards and Warnings
Many countries have set strict regulations on the sale and labeling of apricot kernels. The U.S. FDA has issued warnings against the sale of products containing amygdalin or laetrile, and Health Canada prohibits their sale entirely. The European Union limits the sale of bitter kernels and mandates warning labels when sold.
These regulations are based on risk assessments showing that even small amounts can pose a danger, especially when consumed regularly or in concentrated forms like powders or extracts. These safety measures aim to protect consumers from misinformation and accidental poisoning.
What Science Says About B17 and Cancer
The scientific community has extensively studied amygdalin and laetrile for potential anticancer properties, especially during the 1970s and 1980s. However, results were overwhelmingly disappointing. Rigorous clinical trials failed to show any benefit in treating or preventing cancer.
Not only did laetrile not improve survival rates or tumor response, but patients often experienced toxic side effects, including nausea and cyanide poisoning. Based on these findings, major health organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute do not support the use of B17 as a cancer treatment.
Do Apricot Kernels Have Any Benefits?
While the risks of bitter apricot kernels are well documented, some research suggests that, in extremely low and controlled doses, the antioxidant compounds within them may offer some health benefits. However, the therapeutic window is narrow, and the risks far outweigh the benefits in most cases.
If you’re seeking immune support or anticancer benefits from plant compounds, far safer alternatives exist, such as turmeric, green tea extract, and medicinal mushrooms. The danger of cyanide exposure simply makes bitter apricot kernels a high-risk, low-reward choice.
Safe Ways to Consume Apricot Kernels
Sweet apricot kernels, which contain much lower levels of amygdalin, are considered safe in moderation and are often used in baked goods and snacks. Always read labels carefully and choose products from reputable suppliers that test for cyanide content.
If you are determined to consume apricot kernels, do so under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider and strictly adhere to regulatory recommendations. Never consume bitter kernels raw or in large quantities, and avoid products that promote unverified health claims.
Who Should Avoid Them Completely?
Children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with liver or respiratory conditions should completely avoid bitter apricot kernels. These groups are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of cyanide and have a lower threshold for safe exposure.
Anyone on medications that affect liver enzymes, detoxification pathways, or oxygen metabolism should also steer clear. Even healthy adults have limited capacity to safely metabolize cyanide, and the line between a “safe” and “toxic” dose is dangerously thin.
Alternatives to Bitter Apricot Kernels
If you're looking for natural anticancer or antioxidant support, consider better-researched alternatives such as curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, or medicinal mushrooms like reishi and turkey tail. These offer strong evidence and a much safer profile for long-term use.
For immune support, look to vitamin D3, zinc, selenium, or green tea extract. These compounds provide protective benefits without the cyanide-related risks and are widely supported by clinical research and healthcare professionals.
How to Read Labels and Buy Safely
Always check if apricot kernels are labeled as "bitter" or "sweet" before purchasing. Avoid products that do not disclose their amygdalin or cyanide content. Reputable companies will test for safety and clearly state usage recommendations.
Look for warnings or advisories required by your country’s food safety agency. If you're unsure about the safety of a product, consult with a nutritionist or toxicologist before use. When it comes to bitter apricot kernels, erring on the side of caution is always best.
FAQ
1. How many bitter apricot kernels are dangerous?
As few as 3 bitter apricot kernels can cause cyanide toxicity in adults, and just 1 can be dangerous for children. The risk depends on individual sensitivity, body weight, and how the kernels are consumed (e.g., raw or ground).
2. Is vitamin B17 a real vitamin?
No, vitamin B17 is not a recognized vitamin. It's a marketing term for amygdalin or laetrile—a compound found in bitter apricot kernels. Despite being called a "vitamin," it has no essential role in human nutrition and poses health risks.
3. Are sweet apricot kernels safe?
Sweet apricot kernels contain much lower levels of amygdalin and are generally considered safe in small quantities. However, always purchase from reputable sources that test for cyanide content and follow serving recommendations.
4. Can cooking or roasting remove the cyanide from bitter kernels?
Roasting may reduce but does not eliminate amygdalin. Even processed kernels can still release cyanide during digestion. The safest approach is to avoid bitter kernels entirely unless processed under strict detoxification protocols.
5. Why are bitter apricot kernels still sold if they are dangerous?
In some regions, they are sold with warnings or as "novelty" items for traditional use. Regulations vary by country. Some marketers continue to promote them based on outdated or debunked cancer claims, despite known toxicity risks.
Final Thoughts
Bitter apricot kernels may look like a harmless health trend, but beneath their natural image lies a very real danger: cyanide toxicity. While some have promoted their use for cancer prevention, the science doesn't support these claims—and the risks far outweigh the benefits.
If you're serious about taking control of your health, there are far safer, evidence-based supplements and herbs that support immune function and cellular health. Rather than gambling with bitter apricot kernels, explore alternatives that offer healing without harm.