Vitamin B17 (Amygdalin / Laetrile)
The compound promoted as a natural cancer cure for decades. What the actual research shows, why it's not a vitamin, where the cyanide toxicity comes from, and the clinical-trial evidence that killed the therapy in Western medicine.
How It Works
Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside found in apricot kernels, bitter almonds, and many stone fruits. Hydrolysis releases hydrogen cyanide (HCN), benzaldehyde, and glucose.
Amygdalin is not a vitamin. Humans don't require it; deficiency doesn't cause disease. The "vitamin B17" branding was a marketing invention to bypass drug regulations.
Proponents claim cancer cells have more beta-glucosidase (releases cyanide) and less rhodanese (detoxifies cyanide), creating selective toxicity. Evidence for this selectivity is weak.
Real risk — especially with oral laetrile + vitamin C (potentiates cyanide release) or gut bacteria converting more amygdalin. Multiple documented deaths.
What the Data Shows
Key Takeaways
- Amygdalin is not a vitamin — humans have no known requirement for it
- The 1982 NEJM Mayo/NCI trial (178 patients) showed zero tumor response and measurable cyanide toxicity
- Oral amygdalin + vitamin C significantly increases cyanide release risk
- The FDA and most Western regulators prohibit laetrile as a cancer therapy based on this evidence
- Apricot kernels contain 6-8% amygdalin by weight — small quantities can cause cyanide symptoms
- The purported "selective toxicity" against cancer cells doesn't replicate in rigorous testing
- Proponents often cite in-vitro or uncontrolled case reports; methodology doesn't meet oncology trial standards
- Some people still use laetrile in alternative-medicine clinics in Mexico and Germany — not recommended by Western oncology
- Claims that "Big Pharma suppressed the cure" aren't supported by the trial data
- Non-cancer uses (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory) have even thinner evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vitamin B17 actually a vitamin?
No. It was rebranded as "vitamin B17" in the 1950s to bypass drug-safety regulations. Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside, not an essential nutrient. Humans don't experience "B17 deficiency."
Didn't a Mayo Clinic trial show something?
The 1982 Phase II trial showed zero meaningful tumor response in 178 patients and documented cyanide toxicity. It's the most rigorous clinical evaluation ever done and is the main reason laetrile is no longer pursued in Western oncology.
What about natural sources like apricot kernels?
Apricot kernels contain concentrated amygdalin. Eating a handful can produce symptomatic cyanide poisoning. The FDA has issued explicit warnings. "Natural" doesn't mean safe in this case.
Why does this page exist if it doesn't work?
Because people are still being sold laetrile as a cancer therapy. HighPeptides covers the research honestly so readers can evaluate claims themselves — and know the real risks before trying it.
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Laetrile is banned by the FDA as a cancer treatment. This page is educational — we report what the research shows, including that the evidence does not support cancer-therapy claims and cyanide toxicity is real.
If you or someone you know has a cancer diagnosis, please work with a qualified oncologist. Not medical advice.