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Sources of Vitamin B17

Ningthoujam Sandhyarani
Vitamin B17 is not actually a vitamin, but a glycoside. It is found in a high percentage in majority of berries and seeds. Its health benefits are more evident with vitamin B17 rich food items rather than its supplements. This story provides some information on the same.
Vitamin B17 is commercially known as amygdalin or Laetrile. Amygdalin is a compound that belongs to cyanogenic glycosides. It was isolated for the first time by Pierre-Jean Robiquet and A.F. Boutron-Charlard in 1803, from the seeds of bitter almond (scientific name Prunus dulcis).
Following its discovery, subsequent studies have been carried out regarding its medicinal importance. Though, amygdalin is not a vitamin, Ernst T. Krebs (a biochemist), promoted it as Vitamin B17. Vitamin B17, in its purified form, is called Laetrile (laevomandelonitrile) and is administered for the treatment of cancer.

Health Benefits

Many researchers have claimed that vitamin B17 has certain medicinal properties and can be used for the treatment of cancer. It is the cyanide present in vitamin B17 that destroys the cancer cells. Thus, according to them, amygdalin not only prevents the onset of cancer, but also helps in its regression.
For cancer treatment, Laetrile pills are administered orally or through intravenous injections. Consuming food rich in vitamin B17 helps in fighting cancer. Some of its other health benefits include reducing pain associated with arthritis and lowering high blood pressure.

Sources

Vitamin B17 is present in a higher concentration in bitter almond and apricot seeds. Studies have shown that it is also present in most species of the genus Prunus. Following is a list of food products that contains the same:
  • Alfalfa sprouts
  • Apple seeds
  • Bamboo shoots
  • Blackberries
  • Raspberries
  • Buckwheat
  • Millet and millet seeds
  • Barley
  • Brown rice
  • Cashew nuts
  • Cassava
  • Peach kernels
  • Plum kernels
  • Pecans
  • Quince
  • Sorghum cane syrup
Since, there are a lot of controversies regarding the health benefits of vitamin B17 supplements; to be on the safer side, you can include food products rich in vitamin B17 in your diet.

Controversy

In the book 'World Without Cancer', the author G. Edward Griffin strongly recommendeds the use of vitamin B17 for cancer treatment. Though many scientists proclaim the potential benefits of vitamin B17 as treatment for cancer; it has shown little or no anticancer effects in clinical trial and laboratory studies.
Usage of Laetrile is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health. In the United States, prescription of vitamin B17 to the people affected by cancer is unlawful. Cochrane Collaboration (a group of scientists and researchers from over 90 countries, who scrutinize health-related inventions) Review of 2006, mentioned that Laetrile anticancer effects were not effective in controlled clinical trials and more studies needed to be done for proper assessment.
A word of caution regarding using vitamin B17: when consumed orally, it can cause lethal toxicity. Once inside the human body, it releases cyanide, which is a potential hazard. The enzyme, beta-glucosidase (required for catalysis of cyanide), is present in the small intestine of humans and several food items.
Beta-glucosidase, then catalyzes the cyanide and causes cyanide poisoning. Some of the symptoms of vitamin B17 toxicity are headache, weakness, dizziness, and sometimes low blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a qualified health practitioner regarding its dosage and possible pros and cons, before taking amygdalin or Laetrile.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.