Laetrile (Amygdalin) as Alternative Cancer Therapy

Amygdalin is a bitter compound found naturally in some foods.

When laetrile enters the body, it produces hydrogen cyanide, which the body converts to cyanide. Hydrogen cyanide is thought to have the ability to kill cancer cells. Cyanide has various side effects.

Laetrile is called vitamin B17. In the 1970s, people used to believe that cancers are caused by vitamin deficiency; vitamin B17 or laetrile (amygdalin) can treat cancer. There is no proper evidence suggesting the benefits of using laetrile to treat cancer.

Laetrile is administered orally (pills), intravenously, or intramuscularly. Initially, laetrile is administered intravenously and later, orally as maintenance therapy. Laetrile is used along with metabolic therapy programs, such as special diets, high-dose vitamins, and pancreatic enzymes.

Laetrile or amygdalin kills cancer cells and improves immunity. However, research reports mixed results.

• A few results suggest that laetrile may help destroy cancer cells and relieve pain. 
• Because of a lack of evidence and its side effects, laetrile is not used for cancer treatment currently.

Amygdalin or laetrile can cause cyanide poisoning, which leads to a sudden drop in blood pressure, liver damage, and coma.

The following are the side effects of laetrile:

• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Headache
• The color of the skin turns blue due to a lack of oxygen
• Droopy eyelids
• Difficulty walking due to nerve damage
• Liver damage
• Very low blood pressure
• Confusion
• Fever
• Coma
• Death

The side effects of amygdalin are worse when taken orally. A few foods that contain amygdalin may even worsen the side effects.

Avoid the following foods that contain amygdalin:

• Raw almonds
• Crushed fruit pits
• A few fruits and vegetables, such as:
  • Apricots
  • Celery
  • Peach
  • Beans (lima and mung)
  • Flaxseeds
  • Sprouts
• High doses of vitamin C

Other common sources of cyanide poisoning are:

• Inhalation of smoke from a fire
• Industries that use cyanide, such as photography, chemical research, or synthetic plastics
• Cigarette smoking

• The FDA does not approve amygdalin or laetrile. They contain harmful substances that cause various side effects and even death.
• It is not a recommended choice of treatment for cancer.
• The main supplier of amygdalin is Mexico. Reports suggest that these products contain bacteria and other harmful substances.