Are Peach Seeds Poisonous? The Truth About Cyanide in Peach Pits

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Poison control centers consistently receive calls regarding peach pits, and for a very good reason: the kernel inside contains a natural chemical that can convert to cyanide. The question of are peach seeds poisonous is therefore not a simple yes or no, but a matter of understanding the toxic compound and the specific circumstances that create a risk.

Quick Summary

Peach seeds, or kernels, contain a compound called amygdalin, which can become poisonous cyanide if crushed or chewed. While swallowing a whole, intact pit is unlikely to cause harm, consuming crushed kernels poses a risk, particularly to children.

Key Points

The Core Issue: Peach seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that converts to toxic cyanide upon digestion, but only if the seed is crushed.
Whole vs. Crushed: Swallowing an intact, whole peach pit is generally harmless, as the hard outer shell prevents the toxic kernel from being released.
High-Risk Scenarios: The primary danger comes from crushing or chewing the seed, such as during blending or intentional consumption.
Vulnerable Populations: Small children and pets are most susceptible to the adverse effects of ingesting crushed peach seeds due to their smaller body size.
Recognize Symptoms: Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
Debunking Myths: 'Laetrile' or 'Vitamin B17' from amygdalin is not a valid or safe cancer treatment and has been proven ineffective and dangerous.
Practice Caution: Always remove pits from peaches and other stone fruits when preparing food to eliminate any risk of accidental crushing and ingestion.

The Science Behind the Toxicity: Amygdalin and Cyanide

The kernel inside a peach pit contains amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside. This compound can produce hydrogen cyanide (HCN), a potent poison. The conversion to cyanide occurs when the seed is chewed or crushed, allowing amygdalin to mix with enzymes in the seed and digestive system. Cyanide interferes with the body's ability to use oxygen. While the peach flesh is safe, the kernel requires caution.

Whole vs. Crushed Pits: Understanding the Risk

The risk of cyanide poisoning from peach pits depends significantly on whether the pit is whole or crushed. Swallowing an intact peach pit is generally not dangerous because the hard outer shell protects the kernel, preventing the release of amygdalin. The pit typically passes through the digestive system without breaking down significantly. Additionally, the amount of amygdalin in a single pit is usually too small to cause serious harm to an adult.

However, crushing, chewing, or grinding the kernel increases the risk by exposing amygdalin to enzymes, leading to cyanide production. Blending whole peaches with pits is a common way this can happen and is not recommended. Some traditional methods of preparing pits involve processes like boiling to break down toxic compounds.

Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning, particularly if crushed stone fruit seeds are ingested, can include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and changes in heart rate. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, and organ failure. If you suspect cyanide poisoning, contact poison control or seek emergency medical help immediately.

Safe Handling of Peaches

To safely enjoy peaches and other stone fruits:

Remove and discard pits before serving, especially to children.
Do not blend whole stone fruits with pits.
Teach children not to chew or swallow pits.
Prevent pets from accessing discarded pits.

Comparison of Stone Fruit Kernels and Cyanogenic Potential

Many fruits in the Prunus genus contain cyanogenic glycosides in their kernels, though the concentration of amygdalin varies. See the table below for a comparison:


Fruit	Prunus Genus	Presence of Amygdalin	Risk Profile (If Crushed)
Peach	Prunus persica	Yes, moderate levels in kernel	Significant, can lead to poisoning
Apricot	Prunus armeniaca	Yes, often higher concentrations than peaches	High, potentially more dangerous due to higher amygdalin content
Cherry	Prunus avium / cerasus	Yes, present in kernel	Significant, requires caution with large quantities
Plum	Prunus domestica	Yes, varies by variety	Moderate to significant, requires caution
Bitter Almond	Prunus amygdalus	Yes, high concentration	Very high risk, not typically consumed raw
Sweet Almond	Prunus dulcis	Yes, but at very low concentrations	Low risk, considered safe to eat

Addressing Misconceptions and Quackery

Amygdalin has been falsely promoted as an alternative cancer treatment under the names 'Laetrile' or 'Vitamin B17'. Medical authorities have widely discredited these claims, and the FDA has banned its sale for this purpose due to lack of evidence and the risk of cyanide poisoning. Using peach seeds or other amygdalin sources as a medical treatment is dangerous and ineffective. Always consult qualified medical professionals for cancer treatment information.

Conclusion: Proceed with Caution

In conclusion, peach seeds contain amygdalin, which can become poisonous cyanide when the kernel is chewed or crushed. While swallowing a whole pit is unlikely to cause harm, consuming crushed kernels is a health risk. The safest practice is to remove the pit and enjoy the fruit. For further information on food safety and poisoning, visit the American Association of Poison Control Centers at poison.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

The poisonous substance is a chemical compound called amygdalin, which is present in the kernel inside the peach pit. When the kernel is crushed or chewed, amygdalin is converted into hydrogen cyanide, a toxic compound.

It is highly unlikely that you will get sick. The hard outer shell of the peach pit prevents the release of amygdalin from the inner kernel. The pit will most likely pass through your digestive system without causing any harm.

You should discard the smoothie immediately and seek guidance from a poison control center or a medical professional. The blending process crushes the kernel, releasing the amygdalin and potentially creating a dangerous concentration of cyanide.

Yes, other stone fruits in the Prunus family, such as apricots, cherries, and plums, also contain amygdalin in their kernels. Sweet almonds contain very low levels, while bitter almonds are known to have a high concentration of the compound.

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and changes in heart rate. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms appear after ingesting crushed fruit kernels.

Yes, the flesh of the peach is perfectly safe and nutritious to eat. The toxic compound is contained within the kernel inside the hard pit, not in the fruit's flesh.

No, you should not let pets eat peach pits. Like humans, pets are susceptible to cyanide poisoning if they chew and crush the pit. Additionally, the hard pit can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage in animals.