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Cyanide in fruit: What you need to know

Within seeds of many non-citrus fruits is a chemical called amygdalin, which can be converted to cyanide in the body if the seeds are chewed or crushed, and eaten. However, the amounts that would need to ingested to cause poisoning are very high.

    by Emma Chau and Dhivya Soundararajan
    Published 

Today's guest bloggers are Emma Chau and Dhivya Soundararajan, pharmacy students from the University of the Sciences.

When reaching for a quick and healthy snack, fruit is probably one of the first things that pop into your mind. Its sweet juicy deliciousness makes it so good that you almost forget that it's healthy for you. But have you ever been told that these delectable snacks could contain a potential danger? If so, then you may not have been getting the whole story.

Within seeds of many non-citrus fruits is a chemical called amygdalin, which can be converted to cyanide in the body if the seeds are chewed or crushed, and eaten. So yes, fruit pits and seeds may put cyanide in your body. However, the seeds are surrounded by a protective coating and the only way the amygdalin can be released is if this coating were penetrated, either by chewing or grinding the seed up in a blender.

Additionally, the amygdalin content of foods varies widely so it is difficult to set a strict limit, but you would need to chew about 20 apricot kernels, 27 peach pits, or 120 apple seeds before causing any worry. This would be an astonishing task for the average human to achieve without first breaking a tooth.

Common (but not all) foods containing amygdalin:

  1. Apple Seeds

  2. Apricot Kernels

  3. Peach Pits

  4. Plum Seeds

  5. Cherry Seeds

Things to remember when it comes to cyanide and fruit:

  1. The cyanide cannot be released unless the seed or pit is crushed.

  2. If making smoothies, make sure to remove the pits of fruits before blending.

The signs of cyanide poisoning are vague and can look like anything from the flu to exhaustion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says exposure to a small amount of cyanide may result in some or all of the following signs and symptoms within minutes:

  1. Dizziness

  2. Headache

  3. Nausea and vomiting

  4. Rapid breathing

  5. Rapid heart rate

  6. Restlessness

  7. Weakness

The CDC also notes showing these signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has been exposed to cyanide.

The chances of getting cyanide poisoning through ingestion of fruit pits/seeds are extremely rare, but if you are truly concerned about it, call your local Poison Control Center at 1(800) 222-1222.

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