Apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when digested. Lethal dose is 50-60 bitter kernels (0.5-1.0 mg HCN/kg body weight). Marketed as "vitamin B17" and "natural cancer cure," apricot kernel tea has killed dozens of people.
This is the chemistry of cyanide poisoning, why amygdalin is NOT a vitamin, and how to recognize cyanide toxicity symptoms.
The Cyanide Conversion
Amygdalin (a cyanogenic glycoside) is hydrolyzed by gut bacteria enzymes (beta-glucosidase) into glucose, benzaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Cyanide binds cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, blocking cellular respiration. Cells cannot use oxygen - leading to hypoxia, lactic acidosis, and death within hours.
Amygdalin Content by Source
| Source | Amygdalin (mg per kernel/seed) | Lethal Dose (kernels) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitter Apricot Kernels | 15-20 mg | 50-60 kernels | HIGH (marketed as health food) |
| Sweet Apricot Kernels | 1-3 mg | 500+ kernels | LOW (culinary use safe) |
| Peach Pits | 10-15 mg | 60-80 pits | MEDIUM (rare exposure) |
| Apple Seeds | 1-2 mg | 200+ seeds | LOW (occasional ingestion safe) |
| Cherry Pits | 3-5 mg | 150-200 pits | LOW-MEDIUM (rare poisoning) |
Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning
Onset: 15 minutes to 2 hours (depends on dose and food in stomach)
- Early Signs: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing
- Moderate Toxicity: Confusion, lethargy, cherry-red skin color (hallmark sign)
- Severe Toxicity: Seizures, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest
- Fatal Dose: 0.5-1.0 mg HCN/kg body weight (50-60 bitter apricot kernels for 70 kg adult)
Why "Vitamin B17" Is a Scam
Amygdalin is marketed as "vitamin B17" and "natural cancer cure." This is pseudoscience:
- Not a Vitamin: Vitamins are essential nutrients; amygdalin is not required for human health
- No Anti-Cancer Evidence: Clinical trials (1970s-1980s) showed zero efficacy for cancer treatment
- Banned by FDA: Illegal to market as cancer treatment in US since 1980
- Deaths Documented: Multiple fatalities from "B17 therapy" overdose (50+ cases in medical literature)
Treatment of Cyanide Poisoning
Emergency Antidote Protocol
- Hydroxocobalamin (Vitamin B12 analog): Binds cyanide to form cyanocobalamin (excreted in urine). Dose: 5 grams IV over 15 minutes.
- Sodium Thiosulfate: Provides sulfur for rhodanese enzyme (converts cyanide to thiocyanate, non-toxic). Dose: 12.5 grams IV.
- Oxygen Therapy: 100% O2 via mask (competes with cyanide at cytochrome oxidase).
- Activated Charcoal: If within 1 hour of ingestion (adsorbs unabsorbed amygdalin).
- Time-Critical: Antidote must be given within 30-60 minutes of severe symptoms for survival.
Related Deep Dives
- Grayanotoxin Mad Honey - Another herbal tea toxin
- Universal Antidote History - Victorian poison protocols
- Back to Toxicology Hub
Apricot kernel tea is not medicine. It is cyanide poisoning disguised as health food.
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