The substance commonly known as vitamin B-17 is not, in fact, a vitamin at all. The term popularly refers to amygdalin, a natural substance used to create the controversial cancer treatment and supplement called laetrile, as well as a variety of dietary supplements. Many foods contain amygdalin, but its health benefits remain a subject of debate among supporters and detractors.
Foods
Amgydalin, the naturally occurring source of B-17, is found mostly in the pits and seeds of fruits, including apricots and peaches. Apple pips also contain the substance, alongside wild berries like blackberries, chokeberries, cranberries, elderberries, raspberries, boysenberries and strawberries. Almonds also contain amgydalin, as do other nuts such as macadamias, pecans and cashews. In the vegetable category, alfalfa sprouts, fava beans, mung beans, lentils, spinach, bamboo shoots, yams and watercress contain B-17. Foods in the grain group that contain the substance include barley, brown rice and buckwheat. Seeds like flaxseed, millet and sesame seeds contain B-17, as well. For consumption, these amgydalin-rich pits and seeds are usually crushed or ground. B-17 is said to be bitter to the taste. When converted into laetrile or a dietary supplement, most people consume B-17 orally as a pill or via intravenous injection.
Supporting Claims
Supporters of vitamin B-17 and laetrile, like the non-profit Cancer Cure Foundation, claim that cancer is a vitamin deficiency caused by lack of vitamin B-17. Based on the research of Drs. Ernst T. Krebs, Ernst T. Krebs Jr. and Byron Krebs, supporters claim that B-17 interacts with the pancreatic enzyme trypsin to form a natural barrier against cancer, converting cancer cells into harmless substances by exposing them to a release of cyanide that occurs when B-17 interacts with them. Supporters of B-17 recommend consuming the substance as a preventative measure, in amounts not to exceed more than 30 to 35 substance-containing kernels containing per day. Other B-17 supporters tout it as a dietary supplement and some claim it can prevent high blood pressure or arthritis.
Detracting Claims
B-17's detractors report that that no scientific studies prove that amygdalin is essential to human nutrition. The National Cancer Institute notes that the substance has shown little anticancer effects across laboratory studies, human studies or animal studies and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve it as a cancer treatment. According to The American Cancer Society, laetrile and amygdalin taken in excess can be converted into toxic cyanide when the substance interacts with vitamin C. Because of this, anyone taking B-17 or laetrile supplements should avoid raw almonds or crushed fruit pits, as well as foods such as celery, peaches, bean sprouts and carrots --- the latter contain the enzyme beta-glucosidase, which makes those taking laetrile more likely to experience toxicity complications.
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