Overview

Apricot kernel is the seed inside the pit of an apricot fruit. Apricot kernel contains a substance called amygdalin, which turns into cyanide in your gut. Amygdalin is used to make laetrile, a product marketed as an alternative cancer treatment. But very little research has been done to see if laetrile is helpful for cancer. Both laetrile and apricot kernels can cause cyanide poisoning. Before taking either of these products, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking. Some products made from apricot kernels are safe. For example, crushed apricot kernels are often added to skin care products, and the oil from apricot kernels may be used in skin care products and as a cooking oil.

Uses

What is apricot kernel used for?

Crushed apricot kernels and apricot kernel oil are commonly used in skin care products. Apricot kernel oil is also sometimes used as a cooking oil.

Apricot kernels are used to make laetrile, a substance that is sometimes marketed for treating cancer. However, laetrile may cause serious side effects, and its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: Apricot kernel and apricot kernel oil are available over the counter in skin care products and dietary supplements. The FDA has not reviewed apricot kernel for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about cosmetics here. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does apricot kernel work (mechanism of action)?

Apricot kernels are the seeds inside the apricot fruit pit (stone). To access the kernel, the pit must be broken open, meaning that apricot kernels do not naturally come into contact with the apricot fruit. Apricot kernels contain large amounts of oil as well as a wide range of chemicals that may have effects on the body.

Amygdalin is an important chemical found in apricot kernels and some other foods, including other fruit pits, bitter almonds, and certain raw root vegetables such as cassava. When you eat amygdalin, the bacteria in your gut turn it into a poisonous chemical called cyanide. Small amounts of amygdalin and cyanide are not dangerous, but large amounts of cyanide can cause poisoning and death. Amygdalin can be removed from apricot kernels and other foods by cooking and processing them. However, raw apricot kernels contain large amounts of amygdalin. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an adult should eat no more than three raw apricot kernels in a day. Children, who are at higher risk for cyanide poisoning, should not eat more than half a kernel in a day.

Although amygdalin can be toxic, it has been touted as an alternative cancer treatment. Amygdalin cancer treatments, which are usually made from apricot kernels, are known as “laetrile” or “vitamin B17.” Although there has been interest in using laetrile to treat cancer since the early 1950s, very little research has been done to study it, and its benefits are not well defined. Since laetrile turns into cyanide in your gut, it can cause serious side effects.

The oil from apricot kernels contains unsaturated fatty acids, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. Apricot kernel oil (AKO) is commonly used in skin care and cosmetic products such as massage oils, hair oils, creams, lip balms, and soaps. Due to its nutty flavor, it is also used as a cooking oil. When AKO is made correctly, it contains only small amounts of amygdalin, which are not expected to cause any serious health problems.

Some skin care products may also contain crushed apricot kernel, which is a popular skin exfoliant. Using skin scrubs that contain crushed apricot kernels is not expected to cause any serious safety concerns.

Herbal products, such as apricot kernel, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific apricot kernel product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store apricot kernels?

You should store apricot kernels according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of apricot kernel?

The most common side effects of apricot kernels are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Confusion or dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

There may be other side effects of apricot kernel that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of apricot kernel?

While less common, the most serious side effects of apricot kernel are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Apricot kernel may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using apricot kernel and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Cyanide Poisoning.Apricot kernels contain amygdalin. The bacteria in your gut can turn amygdalin into cyanide, a toxic chemical. Eating apricot kernels or taking products that contain apricot kernels can cause cyanide poisoning. This risk may be higher if you also eat certain foods (see the Interactions section for more information).

Daily use of apricot kernels or products made from apricot kernels, such as laetrile, for a long time can cause chronic cyanide poisoning. Regular exposure to small amounts of amygdalin and cyanide over time may cause nerve damage, vision problems, hearing loss, and balance problems. Stop taking apricot kernel and talk to your health care provider right away if you think you have chronic cyanide poisoning.

High doses of amygdalin and cyanide can cause acute cyanide poisoning, which may be life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of acute cyanide poisoning.

• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Confusion
• Bluish skin color
• Loss of consciousness
• Low blood pressure
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing

Precautions

Who should not use apricot kernel?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use apricot kernel.

• Amygdalin
• Apricot kernel
• Apricot seed
• Laetrile
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific apricot kernel products they stock.

What should I know about apricot kernel before using it?

Apricot kernel is commonly used in skin care products and may be sold as a dietary supplement. Apricot kernel oil may also be added to skin care products and used as a cooking oil. None of these products can be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep apricot kernels out of the reach of children. Children can be at greater risk of some side effects from apricot kernels. European food safety experts recommend that children eat no more than one-half of an apricot kernel each day. Talk to your health care provider about the risks of apricot kernels for your child.

Herbal products, such as apricot kernel, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific apricot kernel product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the fruit, pit, and kernel were processed after they were harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Apricot kernel is available in many different forms, including raw seeds, cooked and crushed seeds, and capsules. Crushed kernels and apricot kernel oil are also added to many skin care products. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested apricot kernel products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using apricot kernel?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if apricot kernel is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Cancer.If you have cancer, speak to your health care provider before taking apricot kernel or any products made from apricot kernel, such as laetrile.

Other Medicines and Supplements.Apricot kernel may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using apricot kernel, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Apricot kernel may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if apricot kernel passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does apricot kernel interact with foods or drinks?

Apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which turns into cyanide in your gut. Eating other raw foods that contain amygdalin, such as apple seeds, almonds, or cassava, can increase your risk of cyanide poisoning from apricot kernels.

Other foods may also increase your risk of cyanide poisoning. Foods that contain a chemical called beta-glucosidase, such as celery, peaches, bean sprouts, and carrots, can increase the amount of cyanide that your body makes from amygdalin. Foods that are high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, can limit your body’s ability to break down cyanide. If you are taking apricot kernel, it may be best to avoid these foods.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol affects apricot kernel, but drinking alcohol while taking apricot kernel may increase your risk of certain side effects.

Does apricot kernel interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any multivitamins or supplements with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) before taking apricot kernel.

The interactions between apricot kernel and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with apricot kernel is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking apricot kernel with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much apricot kernel?

If you or someone else has used too much apricot kernel, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Apricot kernel is found in many different products in a wide range of doses. If you are taking apricot kernel by mouth, read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take apricot kernel safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.