Last updated: 25 June 2015 CHOICE has supported a move by Australia's food regulator Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) to ban the sale of apricot kernels, which are touted as a cure for cancer but can instead cause poisoning. Contrary to what the quacks say, there is no scientific evidence that amygdalin, found in apricot kernels, cures cancer. But not only are consumers who buy the products wasting their money, they're also putting their health at serious risk, because eating apricot kernels results in cyanide poisoning. Spruikers convincing consumers to eat up to 32 kernels a day "There is no proven health benefit to eating apricot kernels but there is a danger. When eaten the seeds release hydrocyanic acid into the body which causes cyanide poisoning," says CHOICE spokesperson Tom Godfrey. "These businesses are taking advantage of people who are sick and looking for hope. A ban is needed to prevent businesses profiting from the spread of misinformation and the sale of a dangerous good."
"Eating trace amounts of the seeds is usually okay but apricot kernels are being sold by the kilo as snacks with some sellers encouraging people to eat 32 kernels a day. People following instructions from the spruikers of apricot kernels could find themselves consuming up to 940% more than the safe levels of hydrocyanic acid." Cancer Council warns against apricot kernels The Cancer Council is also scathing about the consumption of apricot kernels as a cure for cancer. They say that although those pushing the treatment claim a chemical found in apricot kernels, known as amygdalin or vitamin B17 and marketed as Laetrile, cures cancer, there's no evidence to support these claims. "Despite decades of research, dating back to the 1950s, there is no evidence that Laetrile can treat tumours in animals. Clinical trials in humans have also failed to find any benefits," the Cancer Council says. "Laetrile proponents also claim that it releases cyanide in the body, which kills cancer cells while leaving normal ones unharmed.
It is true that Laetrile can be converted into cyanide in the body, but it is not true that normal cells are unharmed. In fact, there have been several cases of cyanide poisoning, and even death, linked to Laetrile treatment." FSANZ risk assessment warning FSANZ's risk assessment found that consumption of raw apricot kernels, both unhulled (with skin) and hulled (without skin), poses an acute public health and safety risk for consumers. In 2012–13 FSANZ identified 46 businesses in Australia and New Zealand that either imported, produced or sold apricot kernels. These businesses are making an estimated $600,000 a year selling kernels. Kernels freely available, CHOICE finds CHOICE has found that apricot kernels are easily available in Australia. Preliminary inquiries found apricot kernels sold at health food stores in Sydney and in a number of online stores, many promoting the benefits of kernel consumption for cancer patients. Profit-hungry hearing clinics put on notice by the ACCC
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You can buy the seeds whole or pre-dried and processed, and they're often used as an ingredient in some apricot jams, Italian amaretto cookies, liqueur and for adding a marzipan flavour to recipes. Apricot kernel oil is a mild natural oil used in baby products, skin products and massage oil. There are two types of apricot kernels: bitter and sweet. Sweet kernels have a less overpowering taste, are better for snacking and have less amygdalin, but it's the bitter kernel that is renowned for its therapeutic values.Bitter apricot kernels have been used as a cancer remedy in Russia since 1845, and in the US since the 1920s. However, debate continues over its effectiveness and toxicity.They have also long been used in Chinese medicine for respiratory problems, indigestion, high blood pressure and arthritis.The pros Some research shows that consuming large numbers of bitter kernels every day over your lifetime may ward off cancer and kill existing cancer. Vitamin B17 is a unique compound that is believed to work with the immune system to fight malignant tumours.
A reportedly non-toxic form is called laetrile and is a controversial treatment used in some cancer clinics around the world. Laetrile was made famous by actor Steve McQueen when it was incorporated into his treatment for mesothelioma in Mexico in 1980. McQueen gave it a glowing report but died soon after. It has not been approved for use in the US. A preliminary study by Kyung Hee University in Seoul, Korea, in 2002 shows that amygdalin may initiate programmed cell death in human prostate cancer cells. Another study shows that amygdalin eases pain in rats. The Hunza people are considered living proof of the health benefits of apricot kernelsBased in the remote Himalayan region near West Pakistan, they are traditional apricot farmers and are believed to consume 200 times more B17 than Westerners do (about 30 to 50 apricot seeds a day). The Hunza are also said to have low levels of cancer and high rates of longevity. The cons Despite these claims, several US studies have found no substantial relationship between apricot kernels and cancer prevention.
Nutrition Australia says B17 is not a real vitamin and that there is no strong evidence that apricot kernels are of benefits. Bitter kernels contain small traces of cyanide, which in large quantities may cause nausea, fever, headaches and coma. In 2006, the British Food Standards Agency posted a health alert, claiming that consuming 20 to 30 kernels in a short period of time could result in cyanide poisoning and death. However, cases of cyanide toxicity are rare.How to use them Apricot kernels can be eaten raw or ground into a powder and sprinkled into curries, soups, vegetables, fruit juice or cereal. They can also be ground and roasted, and the oil used for cooking, salad dressings, fuel and as a facial lotion. Some nutritionists recommend no more than one to five kernels a day, others suggest as many as 35 to reap the anti-cancer benefits. Nutrition Australia offers no consumption guidelines and suggests seeking advice from an accredited practising dietitian before consuming them. Soaking the bitter kernels in water is said to reduce the bitterness and levels of amygdalin.