The Risks and Realities of Eating Apricot Seeds

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

The sale of raw apricot kernels has been prohibited in several countries due to serious health risks. The question of whether apricot seeds offer any benefits while not being dangerous needs to be examined carefully.

Quick Summary

This article discusses the dangers of consuming apricot seeds. It contrasts the risks of cyanide poisoning with the unproven health benefits that have been claimed.

Key Points

Cyanide Risk: Apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which breaks down into cyanide when digested, posing a serious risk of poisoning.
No Cancer Cure: Claims that apricot seeds and their compounds (Laetrile, 'Vitamin B17') cure cancer are medically unproven and dangerous.
Regulatory Warnings: Health authorities globally have warned against consuming raw apricot kernels due to cyanide risk.
Safe vs. Unsafe Forms: Raw kernels are dangerous. Safe uses involve processed products like cosmetic oil or cooked applications where toxicity is reduced.
Healthier Alternatives: Obtain nutrients from safer food sources rather than risking cyanide exposure from apricot seeds.

The Controversy Surrounding Apricot Seeds

Apricot seeds, or kernels, have been a source of discussion for their potential health impacts for a long time. Proponents of alternative medicine frequently suggest that apricot kernels, which contain amygdalin, are a source of 'Vitamin B17,' and claim these have cancer-fighting qualities. However, health authorities around the world warn against consuming them. They emphasize the risk of cyanide poisoning, especially from eating raw kernels. The debate around the benefits of eating apricot seeds is complex. Understanding the science behind the claims is crucial to making informed health decisions.

Cyanide Poisoning: The Dangers of Amygdalin

Apricot kernels, especially the bitter ones, contain high levels of amygdalin, a naturally occurring cyanogenic glycoside. When ingested, enzymes in the stomach break down amygdalin, releasing hydrogen cyanide, which is a toxic chemical. While the body can detoxify small amounts of cyanide, high exposure can lead to acute cyanide poisoning, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. Severe cases can lead to seizures, coma, and death. Health agencies like the Singapore Food Agency warn that as few as three small raw kernels could cause poisoning in adults. Half a seed can be dangerous for toddlers. The risk is why the sale of raw kernels is banned in several countries.

Debunking Cancer Cure Claims (Laetrile/Vitamin B17)

One of the most dangerous claims related to apricot seeds is their purported ability to treat cancer. This claim is associated with laetrile, a synthetic form of amygdalin, which was falsely promoted as a cancer cure in the mid-20th century. Despite this, clinical trials have shown that laetrile and amygdalin are not effective cancer treatments. The National Cancer Institute found that laetrile is a toxic drug and is not an effective treatment. The American Cancer Society and other cancer organizations have also warned against using apricot kernels for cancer therapy. Relying on unproven treatments can cause serious harm and delay effective, evidence-based care.

Evaluating Nutritional Value and Toxicity

While raw apricot seeds pose a significant health risk, apricot kernels can be a source of some beneficial nutrients. It is crucial, however, to differentiate between the dangerous consumption of raw kernels and the safe use of processed products, such as apricot kernel oil.

Safe and Unsafe Ways to Consume Apricot Products

Safe Consumption: Apricot kernel oil has reduced toxicity due to processing. It is used in cosmetics and sometimes for flavoring. In some culinary traditions, kernels are cooked in recipes like jams and desserts, which lowers the amygdalin content, making them safe to eat.
Unsafe Consumption: Eating raw, unprocessed apricot kernels, whether whole, powdered, or as an unregulated supplement, is extremely dangerous. Avoid any product sold specifically for raw ingestion or that makes unproven health claims.

Comparison of Risks and Benefits


Feature	Alleged Benefits (Limited or No Evidence)	Proven Risks (Backed by Authorities)
Cancer Treatment	Claims that amygdalin (B17) can kill cancer cells.	Ineffective; potential for cyanide poisoning.
Immune System	Some suggest amygdalin boosts the immune system.	Risk of poisoning and liver damage from cyanide; no reliable proof.
Antioxidants	Contains antioxidants like Vitamin E.	Safer and more potent antioxidants are available from fruits and vegetables.
Skin & Hair	Kernel oil is used in cosmetics to moisturize and soothe.	This benefit comes from external use of the oil, not ingestion of raw kernels.
Digestion	High fiber content aids digestion and gut health.	The amount of raw seeds needed to gain this fiber risks poisoning.
Heart Health	Some studies suggest fats aid heart health.	High doses of amygdalin can damage the heart and other organs via cyanide toxicity.

Conclusion: The Risks of Apricot Seeds Outweigh Potential Benefits

While apricot kernels contain some nutrients, the practice of consuming them raw for health benefits is based on misinformation. The presence of amygdalin and its conversion to cyanide poses a significant health risk. For safe nutritional benefits, a diet rich in whole foods, including fresh apricots (without the kernel), is much safer. Products derived from apricot kernels, such as cosmetic oil, can be beneficial when processed correctly, but raw ingestion carries risks. For more information on cancer-related myths, consult resources from reputable organizations like the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Always consult with a healthcare professional before considering dietary supplements, especially those with unproven health claims and documented toxicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The promotion of apricot seeds or their derivatives (laetrile, 'Vitamin B17') as a cancer treatment is medically unproven and dangerous due to the risk of cyanide poisoning.

Raw apricot seeds contain amygdalin. When digested, this releases hydrogen cyanide, a toxic chemical that can cause severe poisoning, organ damage, or even death.

While kernels contain nutrients like protein, fiber, and healthy fats, the severe risk of cyanide poisoning outweighs any potential nutritional benefit. Safer food sources provide these nutrients without the toxic risk.

Apricot kernel oil, particularly purified forms used topically in cosmetics, is generally considered safe. The processing reduces the risk of amygdalin toxicity.

Bitter apricot kernels have a higher concentration of amygdalin than sweet varieties. However, even sweet kernels carry a risk of cyanide poisoning if consumed in excess, and raw consumption of either is not recommended.

Enjoy the flesh of the apricot fruit, which is rich in vitamins and fiber. For skin benefits, using topically applied apricot kernel oil is a safe alternative.

Yes, multiple regulatory and food safety authorities, including the FDA, Health Canada, and Food Standards Australia New Zealand, have issued warnings and/or banned the retail sale of raw apricot kernels due to cyanide risk.