Laetrile (Vitamin B17 or Amygdalin): Benefits, Myths and Food Sources

Laetrile (Vitamin B17 or Amygdalin): Benefits, Myths and Food Sources

as promoted as a cancer treatment but it’s controversial due to lack of evidence and risks (cyanide toxicity). Laetrile is often misnamed as amygdalin or vitamin B17. This is just a drug that contains purified amygdalin — a compound found in some fruit and vegetable seeds or kernels (true sources). Laetrile is used to treat cancer. There’s limited scientific studies on this (1Trusted Source). This article will cover all the basics of Laetrile and the science.

What is Laetrile?

Laetrile, also known as amygdalin or vitamin B17 is a naturally occurring compound found in various plants, apricot kernels, bitter almonds and apple seeds. It’s been promoted as a cancer treatment but its efficacy and safety has been disputed. Laetrile is not a vitamin but a patented drug invented by Dr. Ernst T. Krebs, Jr. in 1952. Despite being promoted as a cancer treatment Laetrile is not recognized as a vitamin by the scientific community. Laetrile is often marketed as “b 17 vitamin foods” but that’s a misnomer. Apricot kernel benefits and amygdalin in bitter almonds are often highlighted but the risks can’t be ignored.

 

What the Research Says About Amygdalin (Vitamin B17)

Vitamin B17 has some value in the study but this was done in petri dishes or animal cells. Although research in this area can provide a basis for human clinical studies, science hasn’t reached that stage yet.

Research shows that amygdalin can induce apoptosis and cell cycle regulation in human prostate cancer cells, selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells including prostate.

Laetrile is believed to work by releasing cyanide, a toxic compound which is supposed to selectively kill cancer cells. But this mechanism of action is not scientifically proven and releasing cyanide can harm healthy cells. When laetrile is ingested it breaks down into three compounds: hydrogen cyanide, benzaldehyde and prunasin. Hydrogen cyanide is the main compound responsible for its health benefits and anticancer effects. But the body’s enzymes can convert hydrogen cyanide into a less toxic molecule called thiocyanate which reduces its effectiveness.

Note that the National Cancer Institute says there’s no scientific evidence that laetrile is effective for cancer. The FDA has banned laetrile in many states due to its ineffectiveness and cyanide toxicity. So don’t use laetrile as a cancer treatment without consulting a doctor and weighing the risks and benefits. Lack of clinical data and risk of serious side effects including cyanide toxicity makes it a controversial and risky cancer therapy.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns with Vitamin B17

Laetrile cancer treatments have no safety and is surrounded by controversy and risks. Most Laetrile products sold commercially are made in Mexico and not tested. In some cases contaminants were found in the product. This is a risk to you that’s beyond the risks of Laetrile. Laetrile is suspected to be an antibacterial drug that causes similar symptoms. Among other causes, cyanide poisoning may be present when you take vitamin B17 for cancer. Cyanide poisoning is a serious medical risk to people.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns with Vitamin B17

Cancer treatments involving Laetrile have no evidence of safety and are surrounded by controversies and risks. Most Laetrile products that sell for a commercial price are produced in Mexico and are not tested. In some instances, contaminants were found in the product. This substance poses a risk to you which is beyond the risks that come with Laetrile usage. The presence of Laetrile is suspected in many cases as an antibacterial drug that causes similar symptoms. Among other causes, cyanide poisoning may be present when taking vitamin B17 to treat cancer. Cyanide poisonings pose serious medical risks to people.

How Did Laetrile Get Popular?

Laetrile is known for conspiracy theories. Since 1960s laetrile drug is suspected to be safe but not effective. In 1987 the FDA ban was lifted but some cancer patients still use laetrile to fight their disease. You can get laetrile online and in some supermarkets. The product is illegal to use for a disease. But many people find laetrile online and try it for themselves. Adalimoxanthin is considered anticancer medication since 1800. Laetrile is said to be a sterility substitute for ygdalin in 1950s.

What’s the health benefit of vitamin B17?

Laetrile is a cancer causing agent available in the US from 1800s to 20th century. This can be used as part of a program. It may involve eating a specific diet, high dose vitamins and pancreatic enzyme.

What food has the most vitamin B17?

Amygdalin is a plant material found in raw nuts, bitter almonds, apricots and cherries. Several plants have amygdalin in their composition. It’s called laetrile vitamin B17 but it’s not vitamin A3.

How safe are apricot kernels from cyanide poisoning?

Apricots are rich in Amygdalin which breaks down to cyanides. Eating too many apricot kernels may cause cyanide poisoning. Avoid it for adults 1-2 kernels daily. Exceeding the amount will have severe health consequences.

What do apricot kernels do to the body?

Risk of drinking apricot seed. Apricot flakes have amygdalin that converts to cyanide when consumed. Cyanide destroys cells in the human body by inhibiting oxygenation. Its effects is worst to the heart as it uses lots of oxygen in the body.

 

 

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