Patient poisoned while trying to treat his cancer with apricot kernels

An Australian 67-year-old prostate cancer patient experienced cyanide poisoning from apricot kernels he consumed as a supplement to overcome his illness. Medical intervention prevented his death, but his body’s oxygen level fell extremely low and he experienced signs of cyanide poisoning. Cyanide poisoning is a potentially fatal condition.

Is everything “natural” harmless?

This is a very common misconception, and apricot kernels are one of its best-known examples. Amygdalin in apricot kernels is metabolized in the body into cyanide. Its commonly known commercial form is called Laetrile . This phytotherapy product allegedly kills only cancer cells without harming normal tissues. However, that is not the reality.

While this patient was under anesthesia for cancer surgery, doctors noticed his extremely low oxygen level, allowing early intervention for the poisoning. Subsequent blood tests showed cyanide levels at 25 times normal. His case was later reported scientifically to illustrate how alternative treatments can put patients at risk.

Too many people think apricot kernels—and indeed many other kernels—prevent or treat cancer. This 67-year-old prostate cancer patient reportedly took a fruit-kernel supplement called Novadalin as well as apricot kernel extract.

The truth about vitamin B17

Although it is not a genuine vitamin, amygdalin is also referred to today as vitamin B17 . After being converted to cyanide in the body, it affects cellular oxygen metabolism. Brain and heart cells, which require stable oxygen levels, are particularly affected by cyanide poisoning. Although it has long been known that amygdalin is toxic not only to cancer cells but also to our normal cells, it can be sold without control in many countries, or patients influenced by internet news may regularly consume apricot kernels in the hope of healing.

Warnings about apricot kernels

Although it is difficult to give an exact figure, consuming more than 10 apricot kernels per day is known to potentially cause poisoning in adults; children may of course be affected by smaller amounts. A report published in 2016 by the European Food Safety Authority described many children hospitalized with cyanide poisoning caused by apricot kernels. A girl aged 28 months died of cyanide poisoning after eating 10 kernels. Cyanide poisoning can cause signs and symptoms of varying types and severity, from nausea, insomnia and irritability to death.

In conclusion, apricot kernel extract amygdalin, called vitamin B17 although it is not a genuine vitamin, is toxic and harmful to health. There is no evidence of its efficacy in cancer treatment.

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