What is Vitamin B17 (Amygdalin)

Vitamin B17 is a commonly used name for amygdalin which is a plant chemical substance present in some nuts, plants, and fruit seeds such as apple, peach, almond, cherry, and apricot among many others. Its scientific name is D-mandelonitrile-b-D-glucosido-6-b-D-glucoside.

Vitamin B17 is also wrongly thought to be Laetrile but it is not. Laetrile is a patented drug that was invented by Dr. Ernst T. Krebs, Jr. in 1952, and contains purified amygdaline.

Laetrile was initially created as a cure for cancer but it was launched under the name of vitamin B17 so it would be classified as a supplement rather than a drug, hence it can be easily promoted. This was done because of the tough market restrictions imposed on medicine compared to supplements.

How Amygdalin works in the body

When amygdalin (vitamin b17) is ingested, it breaks down in the body to produce cyanide which is a poisonous substance.

It is suggested that cyanide can kill cancer cancer cells. However, there is no reliable evidence to support the use of Amygdalin as a cancer treatment.

Yet, there are several studies showing that amygdalin is dangerous due to the release of cyanide when it is metabolized in the body. 

Meanwhile, some health experts argue that vitamin B17 should be taken as injections to avoid cyanide poisoning. They also claim that injections are more effective because patients can take higher doses without the risk of poisoning.

Currently, there's no research to prove these claims and people need to be extremely cautious about amygdalin, especially that the FDA has banned the use of this substance in the USA.

Vitamin B17 Dose: how Much to Take

Vitamin B17 can be taken orally or as an injection intravenously or intramuscularly.

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Amygdalin suggested benefits

Amygdalin has been mainly promoted as a treatment for cancer. It is also suggested to lower blood pressure and help reduce chronic pain especially for arthritis.

Some of the claimed benefits include also body detox, improving health and wellness, and supporting longevity.

None of these suggested benefits has been supported by research.

Amygdalin precautions

When amygdalin is consumed orally, our intestines break it down into cyanide which is a poisonous substance. Hence, extreme caution is required to stick to acceptable safe doses.

Amygdalin health risks

A serious medical warning is issued from the FDA about the use of vitamin B17 (amygdalin) because of its severe side effects that include toxicity. This substance is banned in the USA.