How Many Apricot Seeds Are Safe?

Apricot seeds contain amygdalin, which is a naturally occurring compound that is converted into cyanide in the intestines. While consuming 1-2 kernels is not harmful, ingesting more can lead to cyanide poisoning. 

Cyanide poisoning can cause the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fever
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Nervousness 
• Muscle and joint pain
• Low blood pressure

Studies report that 0.5 to 3.5 milligrams of cyanide per kilogram of body weight could be fatal. The safest dose of amygdalin is 0.37 grams or 3 small kernels for adults. Higher doses (or less than half of a larger kernel) can cause health risks.

Apricot seeds are made up of the following nutrients:

• 45%-50% oil
• 25% protein
• 8% carbohydrates
• 5% fiber

Moreover, apricot seeds are rich in healthy fats that help lower bad cholesterol. Essential fatty acids such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids help fight heart disease, improve mental health, and provide other health benefits as well.

In the past, amygdalin was used as an anti-cancer treatment in the man-made form of laetrile. However, there is no current evidence-based research that supports this claim.

According to one theory, amygdalin is converted to cyanide within the body, which in turn helps kill cancer cells and stops or slows the development of tumors. However, the FDA has banned the consumption of apricot kernels due to the presence of cyanide. 

Recent studies have also refuted the claims that apricot seeds have cancer-fighting properties:

• A 2015 review noted that all forms of amygdalin could pose health risks because of the potential cyanide poisoning. The risk-benefit balance of laetrile or amygdalin for treating cancer is unambiguously negative.
• A 2016 study investigated the effects of amygdalin on the growth of prostate cancer cells. It reported that a dose of 10 milligrams of amygdalin per milliliter exhibited significant antitumor activity. Most studies, however, have ruled out the claims that apricot seeds and amygdalin (or laetrile) can help fight cancer.