Vitamin B17 first appeared in the early 1950’s, and, despite its name, is NOT a vitamin in any sense of the word. It was called a vitamin to sound ‘friendly’ and appealing (and possibly to avoid certain FDA regulations). ‘Vitamin B17’ was marketed as an anti-cancer nutritional supplement which is claimed to prevent all types of cancer effectively. There is actually no scientific evidence supporting these claims, and in fact any studies on vitamin B17 have shown it to be completely ineffective.

Vitamin B17 is also known as amygdalin or modified laetrile and is extracted from almonds or apricot kernals. In the body amygdalin is metabolised by a group of enzymes called beta-glucosidase, which releases cyanide into the body,and results in cyanide poisoning.

Cyanide prevents the body from using oxygen, and can result in seizures, cardiac arrest and can result in death after only minuets. Studies on the amygdalin (vitamin B17) has shown to have severe toxic effects! Fortunately there have been no fatalities from taking vitamin B17 as it was quickly illegal to sell or market this product which has made it very difficult to obtain.

In summary, vitamin B17 is not a vitamin and should not be viewed as such. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that it has any health benefits whatsoever. When consumed it will release cyanide into the body which is incredibly toxic and can be fatal. DO NOT try and obtain vitamin B17/ amygdalin as treatment for cancer or any other ailment.

Image courtesy of juan-antonio-capo

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