Vitamin B-17 really isn't a vitamin. It's a word used to describe amygdalin, a type of compound found in the seeds of many fruits. Vitamin B-17 has been used in alternative medicine for treatment of high blood pressure and has been promoted as a treatment for cancer.
Amygdalin
Amygdalin is a naturally occurring plant compound that produces cyanide. It's found in the seeds of fruits and in raw nuts. Small amounts are also found in grains and grasses. The word "amygdalin" refers to almonds, specifically bitter almonds, which contain amygdalin and have been used as folk remedies for a variety of ailments.
Laetrile
Laetrile is created from amygdalin in a laboratory. Laetrile has been touted as a cure for cancer, though no solid scientific evidence exists to support that claim, but evidence does suggest that using laetrile might be dangerous. The American Cancer Society says laetrile has been linked to cases of cyanide poisoning.
B-17 in Fruit
Amygdalin is found in the seeds of fruits, especially in the large seeds of stone fruits. Apricot pits are particularly rich in amygdalin and are often used as the source for laetrile production. Peach and cherry pits also contain amygdalin. You probably don't usually eat these large seeds, though you can eat apple seeds, which have a distinct almond-like flavor due to the amygdalin.
B-17 Problems
Eating fruit seeds is generally safe, but it is difficult to eat the large seeds of stone fruits. You won't suffer from cyanide poisoning when you ingest the amygdalin, unless you are also taking large amounts of laetrile, which should not be taken by children or women who are pregnant or breast-feeding. The risk of cyanide poisoning from laetrile might also increase if you take large amounts of vitamin C.
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