However, the treatment was found too toxic for general use. His son later found a safer and nontoxic formula in the s. This formula was also extracted from apricot kernels. Apricots share many similar properties and uses with almonds. Apricot kernels are made up of:.
The kernels contain essential fatty acids omega-6s and omega-3s. These help fight heart disease, improve mental health, and have a host of other benefits. Apricot kernels also contain the chemical compound amygdalin.
This has been previously linked to cancer-fighting claims. Laetrile is the patented drug name for amygdalin. He claimed that cancer was caused by a vitamin B deficiency and that supplementing with it would stop the development of cancer cells. Under its various names, amygdalin has been claimed to hold various cancer-fighting benefits, even now. But many amygdalin-endorsing websites rely on supporting assertions from people with cancer. Another theory suggests that because amygdalin is converted into cyanide in the body, the cyanide works to destroy cancer cells within the body.
This is said to prevent the growth of tumors. The U. A review published by the Cochrane Library noted that because of the possible cyanide poisoning associated with consuming large amounts of amygdalin, all forms of laetrile are dangerous.
However, another study , published in , observed the effects of amygdalin on the growth of prostate cancer cells. Subsequent research has found that the maximum acceptable dose of amygdalin through apricot kernels is 0. Higher doses, or even less than one-half of a large kernel, could exceed the maximum acceptable dose and be toxic for adults.
To protect Canadians from the potential risk of cyanide poisoning from eating apricot kernels, Health Canada is establishing a regulatory maximum level for total extractable cyanide in apricot kernels sold as a food in Canada. The maximum level would also apply to apricot kernels used as an ingredient in other foods. This maximum level will allow Canadians to safely eat apricot kernels in a manner similar to other types of seeds and nuts.
The maximum level comes into effect on January 25, For apricot kernels purchased before this date, Health Canada continues to advise that children should never consume them and adults are advised to consume no more than three apricot kernels per day, and that they should be ground and mixed with other foods.
During the transition period, the Department will follow up with major suppliers of apricot kernel products that currently exceed the maximum level to confirm that these products will no longer be available for sale in Canada. As of January 25, , only those products that do not exceed the maximum level for total extractable cyanide will be permitted for sale. Apricot kernels are the seeds found inside the pits stones of fresh apricots.
Apricot kernels resemble small almonds and have an almond-like taste. There are two types of apricot kernels, based on taste, bitter and sweet. Both bitter and sweet apricot kernels naturally contain amygdalin. Health officials are urging consumers to check their homes for the recalled product. No one should eat any of the implicated apricot kernels.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include weakness and confusion, anxiety, restlessness, headache, nausea, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, seizures and cardiac arrest.
Anyone who has consumed any of the recalled apricot pits and developed symptoms of cyanide poisoning should seek medical attention at once. On Jan.
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