Excess intake of bitter apricot kernel can lead to poisoning
Bitter apricot kernels are sold in health food stores and, more recently, to an increasing degree on the Internet. In some cases it is claimed that they can help to fight cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence to back this claim. Quite the contrary: bitter apricot kernels have a high natural level of amygdalin. During digestion hydrocyanic acid is released from the glycoside which can lead to severe, acute poisoning like cramp, vomiting and respiratory distress. At high doses it can even lead to a fatal respiratory paralysis. fatal. Hence, apricot-kernels may involve health risks. Eating just a few kernels can already lead to the onset of acute poisoning symptoms. BfR recommends to consumers that they should not eat more than one or two apricot kernels a day or not eat any at all. BfR, therefore, believes that warnings on the packages are urgently needed.
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