Understanding the Risks: What Happens If You Swallow the Seed of a Plum?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know the seeds of stone fruits like plums contain a cyanide-releasing compound called amygdalin? For many, the panic-inducing question, what happens if you swallow the seed of a plum, is a common fear rooted in this fact.

Quick Summary

Most often, an intact plum seed will pass harmlessly through your digestive system, but risks of choking or intestinal blockage exist. The toxic cyanide compound is only a danger if the seed is crushed and ingested in large quantities, activating the amygdalin inside.

Key Points

Intact Seed is Harmless: An intact plum seed is unlikely to cause cyanide poisoning, as your body cannot break through its hard exterior.
Chewing is the Danger: The toxic compound, amygdalin, is only released if the inner kernel is crushed or chewed.
Watch for Choking: The primary immediate risk of swallowing an intact plum pit is a choking hazard, particularly for children.
Monitor for Obstruction: Rarely, the pit could cause an intestinal blockage, so watch for symptoms like severe pain or vomiting.
What to Do: If a seed is swallowed without severe symptoms, stay calm and monitor. For severe or persistent symptoms, seek medical help.
Avoid DIY Remedies: Do not try to induce vomiting if a plum pit is swallowed, as this can cause injury.
Plums are Nutritious: The fruit itself is very healthy, providing fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

The Core Concern: Cyanide and Amygdalin

The primary source of worry regarding plum seeds is the presence of a natural compound called amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside. This compound is found in the kernel, or seed, inside the hard, woody pit of stone fruits, including plums, peaches, and apricots. When the kernel is crushed or chewed, enzymes in the body can convert the amygdalin into hydrogen cyanide, a potent poison.

Why an Intact Seed is Usually Safe

Fortunately, accidentally swallowing an intact plum pit poses a minimal risk of cyanide poisoning. Here’s why:

The hard, outer pit acts as a protective barrier, preventing the amygdalin-containing kernel inside from being exposed and crushed.
Your digestive system is typically unable to break down this hard shell, meaning the seed will pass through your body intact.
You would need to chew and ingest a significant number of crushed seeds to reach a toxic level of cyanide. A 2016 study found plum seeds have a higher concentration of cyanide than some other fruit seeds but still require a large amount to be harmful.

Real Dangers: Choking and Obstruction

While cyanide poisoning is unlikely from an intact seed, there are more immediate physical risks that should be considered:

Choking Hazard: The hard, round shape of a plum pit makes it a clear choking hazard, especially for small children. If a child or adult begins to choke, immediate first aid measures should be taken.
Intestinal Obstruction: In rare cases, the sharp edges of a plum pit could cause irritation or get lodged in the digestive tract, leading to a dangerous blockage. This is a more significant risk if multiple seeds are swallowed or if the individual has pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions. Signs of an obstruction include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and inability to pass stool.

What to Do If You Swallow a Plum Seed

If you or someone you know has swallowed a plum pit, here is a general guide on what to do:

Stay Calm and Observe: If there are no immediate signs of choking or distress, don’t panic. The seed will most likely pass through your system without any issues. Monitor for any discomfort.
Aid Passage with Liquids or Soft Food: If you feel the seed in your throat, drink small sips of water or eat soft bread or a banana to help carry it down. Do not try to induce vomiting.
Watch for Symptoms: Be aware of any signs of potential issues, such as prolonged throat pain, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty passing stool.
Seek Medical Attention for Severe Symptoms: If severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, persistent pain, or signs of blockage occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Plum Pits vs. Crushed Kernels: A Comparison

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences in risk based on how the plum seed is ingested.


Feature	Swallowing an Intact Plum Pit	Chewing and Ingesting a Crushed Plum Kernel
Risk of Cyanide Poisoning	Extremely Low	Potential risk, especially if large quantities are consumed.
Risk of Choking	Primary risk, especially for young children.	Lower, as the kernel is small, but still a possibility if crushed poorly.
Risk of Intestinal Obstruction	Very low, but possible in rare cases due to sharp edges.	Extremely low due to the small size and crushed state.
Action Required	Monitor for symptoms; if severe, seek medical help.	Do not do this. If ingestion occurs, call a poison control center.

Beyond the Seed: The Nutritional Value of Plums

While the pit of the plum carries risks, the fruit itself is packed with nutritional benefits that make it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. Plums are rich in various vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which aids digestive health. They also contain antioxidants that protect the body against cell damage.

Conclusion: Don't Panic, But Be Aware

In summary, the accidental swallowing of a single, intact plum pit by a healthy adult is generally not a cause for panic. The risks of choking and rare intestinal obstruction are more likely than cyanide poisoning. The danger lies in chewing and crushing the seed, a practice that should be avoided. The best course of action is to simply discard the pit and enjoy the delicious and nutritious fruit safely. By understanding the true risks, you can make informed decisions and reduce unnecessary worry.

For more detailed information on poisoning from fruit pits, you can consult resources like the Missouri Poison Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is highly unlikely to get cyanide poisoning from swallowing a whole, intact plum seed. The hard pit protects the kernel inside, and your digestive system cannot break it down to release the toxic compound.

While an intact plum pit is generally not toxic, it is a choking hazard for children due to its size and shape. If a child swallows one, monitor for signs of distress and seek medical attention if they experience difficulty breathing or persistent discomfort.

Symptoms of a rare intestinal blockage can include severe and persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, or an inability to pass stool. If these occur, seek immediate medical care.

Try drinking water or eating soft bread to help dislodge the pit. If the discomfort persists, worsens, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, seek prompt medical evaluation.

Yes, seeds from other stone fruits like peaches, nectarines, and cherries also contain amygdalin. The same safety rule applies: swallowing an intact pit is generally safe, but chewing it is not recommended.

No, you should not intentionally chew or crush the kernel inside a plum pit. This is when the amygdalin can be converted into cyanide, posing a health risk.

The safest way to avoid any risk is to simply discard the pit after eating the fruit. If you are serving plums to children, be sure to remove the pit entirely to eliminate the choking hazard.