Are Apricot Kernels Poisonous? The Truth About These Tiny Seeds
Apricot kernels can be poisonous. They contain amygdalin, which the body converts into cyanide, a toxic substance. The level of risk depends on the amount consumed.
Introduction: A Tangy Fruit, A Bitter Truth
Apricots, with their vibrant orange hue and sweet-tart flavor, are a summertime delight. But lurking inside their stony pits are kernels, small seeds resembling almonds, that harbor a controversial secret: amygdalin. This compound, when metabolized by the body, releases cyanide, a well-known poison. The question then becomes not just whether apricot kernels are poisonous, but how poisonous, and under what circumstances.
The Science Behind the Poison: Amygdalin and Cyanide
Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside found in the seeds of many fruits in the Rosaceae family, including apricots, almonds, plums, peaches, and apples. Cyanogenic glycosides are plant-based compounds that release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when broken down. This breakdown occurs when amygdalin comes into contact with enzymes, particularly beta-glucosidase, present in the human body.
The chemical reaction looks something like this:
Amygdalin + Enzyme (Beta-glucosidase) → Glucose + Benzaldehyde + Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN)
HCN inhibits cellular respiration, meaning it interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen, potentially leading to serious health consequences or even death.
Understanding Cyanide Toxicity: A Dose-Dependent Risk
The toxicity of cyanide is dose-dependent. This means the severity of the effects depends on the amount of cyanide produced and absorbed by the body. Small amounts of cyanide can be detoxified by the body’s natural mechanisms, primarily by converting it to thiocyanate, which is then excreted in the urine. However, if the amount of cyanide overwhelms the body’s detoxification capacity, serious health problems can occur.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory failure
In severe cases, cyanide poisoning can be fatal.
Apricot Kernels and “Laetrile”: A History of Controversy
Apricot kernels have been promoted as an alternative cancer treatment under the name “Laetrile” or “Vitamin B17” (though it is neither a vitamin nor proven effective against cancer). This promotion is based on the flawed theory that cancer cells contain high levels of beta-glucosidase, leading to selective cyanide release and destruction of cancer cells. However, scientific evidence does not support this claim, and Laetrile is not an approved cancer treatment in most countries due to its ineffectiveness and potential toxicity.
Using apricot kernels or Laetrile for cancer treatment is strongly discouraged by medical professionals. It is crucial to rely on evidence-based treatments and consult with qualified healthcare providers.
Measuring Cyanide Levels in Apricot Kernels: A Variable Factor
The amount of amygdalin in apricot kernels can vary significantly depending on factors such as:
- Apricot variety
- Growing conditions
- Kernel size
- Storage conditions
Bitter apricot kernels generally contain higher levels of amygdalin compared to sweet apricot kernels. However, even “sweet” kernels can contain potentially harmful amounts of amygdalin.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that amygdalin content in apricot kernels ranged from 3 to 38 mg per gram. This variability highlights the difficulty in predicting the exact amount of cyanide released after consuming apricot kernels.
Regulatory Guidelines and Safe Consumption: Exercising Caution
Several countries have set limits on the acceptable levels of cyanide in food products. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established an acute reference dose (ARfD) for cyanide of 0.02 mg per kilogram of body weight. This means that consuming a quantity of apricot kernels that releases more than 0.02 mg of cyanide per kilogram of body weight in a single occasion is considered potentially harmful.
For example, a 60 kg adult would need to consume enough apricot kernels to release 1.2 mg of cyanide to reach the ARfD. Given the variable amygdalin content, it is difficult to determine exactly how many kernels would exceed this limit. However, consuming even a small number of bitter apricot kernels can potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, especially in children.
Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid consuming apricot kernels altogether or to limit consumption to very small amounts.
Reducing Cyanide Content: Processes with Limited Effect
Some methods, such as boiling, roasting, or soaking apricot kernels, are claimed to reduce the amygdalin content. However, these methods are not entirely effective in eliminating the risk of cyanide poisoning.
While heating can degrade amygdalin to some extent, it may not completely eliminate it. Furthermore, heating can also convert amygdalin into other compounds that can still release cyanide. Soaking kernels in water might remove some amygdalin, but this process is also unreliable.
Therefore, relying on these methods to detoxify apricot kernels is not recommended. The safest approach is to avoid consuming them altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the specific symptoms of cyanide poisoning from apricot kernels?
Symptoms can vary depending on the dose of cyanide ingested. Early symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. More severe symptoms can include rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even respiratory failure leading to death.
2. How many apricot kernels are considered a dangerous dose?
This varies greatly depending on the amygdalin content, especially with bitter kernels. For children, even a few bitter kernels could be dangerous. For adults, the risk is lower, but excessive consumption, especially of bitter kernels, is ill-advised.
3. Are sweet apricot kernels safe to eat in unlimited quantities?
While “sweet” kernels contain less amygdalin than bitter ones, they still contain some. Consuming large quantities is still not recommended and could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning.
4. Is there an antidote for cyanide poisoning from apricot kernels?
Yes, there are antidotes, but they need to be administered promptly by medical professionals. If you suspect cyanide poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
5. Can roasting or boiling apricot kernels completely eliminate the cyanide risk?
No. While these methods might reduce the amygdalin content, they do not eliminate the risk entirely. Relying on these methods for detoxification is not recommended.
6. Are apricot kernels beneficial for anything?
Despite claims about cancer treatment, there is no scientific evidence to support the benefits of apricot kernels. The potential risks outweigh any perceived benefits.
7. Are there any specific populations that should be extra cautious about apricot kernels?
Children, pregnant women, and individuals with liver or kidney problems are particularly vulnerable and should avoid consuming apricot kernels.
8. Are apricot kernels considered a food or a supplement?
Apricot kernels are often marketed as a supplement due to claims about “Vitamin B17.” However, they are not a recognized source of any essential nutrients and pose a potential health risk.
9. How can I tell if an apricot kernel is bitter or sweet?
The taste is the primary indicator. Bitter kernels have a strong, bitter almond flavor. However, it’s not safe to taste test kernels, as even small amounts can be harmful.
10. What should I do if I accidentally ingest apricot kernels?
If you’ve only ingested a small amount and are not experiencing any symptoms, monitor yourself closely. If you experience any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. If you have ingested a significant amount, especially bitter kernels, seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not experiencing symptoms.
11. Are apricot kernel products like oil or flour also dangerous?
The safety of apricot kernel oil or flour depends on the processing methods used and the residual amygdalin content. If the processing effectively removes amygdalin, the products may be safe. However, it’s essential to verify the cyanide content and purchase products from reputable sources.
12. Is it safe to feed apricot kernels to pets?
No. Apricot kernels are potentially toxic to pets as well. Keep them out of reach of animals.