Laetrile, also known as amygdalin or sometimes referred to as vitamin B17, has been promoted as an alternative cancer treatment, but there is a lack of scientific evidence to support its effectiveness and it poses significant health risks.[1]

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Laetrile is a compound derived from the seeds of fruits like almonds and apricots.[1] It gained attention as a supposed cancer treatment, particularly during the 1970s, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness.[1] Laetrile can break down into cyanide in the body, which poses significant health risks, including toxicity and even fatal outcomes due to cyanide poisoning.[1]

Laetrile is a man-made form of amygdalin, a plant substance found in some nuts, plants, and seeds of fruit, and claims that it can treat cancer are not backed up by research, and it contains cyanide, a poison, and can cause serious side effects.[2]

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of laetrile:

1. What Laetrile Is: Laetrile is a synthetic form of amygdalin, a naturally occurring chemical found in the pits of fruits like apricots, as well as in raw nuts and certain plants such as lima beans and clover.[2] It is sometimes incorrectly referred to as vitamin B17, but it is not a vitamin.[3]

2. Claims and Uses: Laetrile was promoted as an anti-cancer agent, often used on its own or as part of a program including a special diet, high-dose vitamin supplements, and pancreatic enzymes.[2] Proponents believed it could improve health, detoxify the body, and extend life.[2]

3. How it's Administered: Laetrile can be administered orally as a pill, or by injection (intravenous or intramuscular).[2]

4. Mechanism of Action (as claimed): The purported mechanism of action involves the release of cyanide, a poisonous substance, which is thought to kill cancer cells.[2]

5. Lack of Scientific Evidence: There is no reliable scientific evidence to support the claim that laetrile can treat cancer or any other illness.[2] Clinical trials have not shown any benefit, and the Cochrane Library review concluded that the claimed benefits are not supported by sound clinical data.[2]

6. Side Effects and Risks: The side effects of laetrile are those of cyanide poisoning, including fever, nausea, headaches, dizziness, liver damage, nerve damage, and potentially death.[2] Eating foods containing amygdalin (such as raw almonds, carrots, and peaches) while taking laetrile can worsen these side effects.[2]

7. Regulatory Status: Laetrile is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a cancer treatment or any other medical condition.[2] It is banned in the United States and Europe due to safety concerns and lack of proven efficacy.[2] However, it is still manufactured and used in Mexico.[1]

8. Health Canada's Position: Health Canada has not approved any medicinal or natural health uses of apricot kernels, laetrile, or "vitamin B17" and does not permit cancer treatment claims for natural health products.[1] Health Canada has also issued a consumption advisory for apricot kernels due to the risk of cyanide exposure.[1]

9. Scientific Studies: While some studies have shown some potential for laetrile to prevent precancerous cells from multiplying, there is no evidence of its effectiveness in treating cancer.[1]

10. Case Report: A case report describes a patient who developed cyanide toxicity from taking amygdalin, highlighting the risks associated with its use.[4]