Apricot kernels contain a naturally occurring compound called amygdalin, sometimes marketed under the misleading name “vitamin B17.” When amygdalin is broken down in the body, it can release cyanide, a toxic substance.
Can apricot kernels eliminate cancer cells?
No reliable human evidence shows that eating apricot kernels or taking amygdalin can eliminate cancer cells or cure cancer.
The National Cancer Institute reports that clinical studies of laetrile/amygdalin have not demonstrated an effective cancer treatment. In one NCI phase II study involving 175 evaluable patients, cancer progressed in all patients within seven months after treatment ended.
Laboratory findings should also not be confused with an effective treatment in humans. A substance can affect cancer cells in a laboratory while being ineffective—or dangerous—when consumed by people.
The bigger concern: cyanide poisoning
Raw apricot kernels can release cyanide after they are eaten. EFSA estimated that consuming more than three small raw apricot kernels in one serving could exceed its acute safe exposure level for an adult, while even smaller amounts can pose a concern for young children.
The FDA also issued a 2024 warning about certain bitter apricot-seed products containing high levels of amygdalin that could result in fatal cyanide toxicity. Reported symptoms include difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, seizures, loss of consciousness and cardiovascular collapse.
What about blindness?
There is no evidence that eating apricot kernels prevents or reverses blindness. In fact, the FDA notes that chronic exposure to high concentrations of cyanogenic compounds can itself be associated with neurological problems, including impaired eyesight from optic nerve damage.
Bottom line
Apricot fruit itself is a nutritious food, but the kernel is different from the fruit. The claim in the image that a simple recipe can “eliminate all cancerous cells” should not be followed as a cancer treatment.
If someone has cancer, apricot kernels should not replace surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or other treatment recommended by their oncology team. And consuming large quantities of raw/bitter apricot kernels can be dangerous because of cyanide exposure.