The hard, small seed inside a cherry is known as a pit, and accidentally swallowing one is a common occurrence. For most healthy adults, this ingestion is generally safe, but it carries risks related to physical obstruction and potential toxicity. The concern stems from the pit’s hard structure and the chemical compounds it contains, which only become hazardous under specific circumstances. Understanding the difference between swallowing a pit whole and chewing it is important for assessing the actual danger.
The Physical Safety of Swallowing a Pit Whole
A cherry pit is composed of an extremely hard, smooth outer shell that protects the inner kernel. When a pit is swallowed whole, its dense structure resists the digestive processes of the stomach and intestines and remains intact as it travels through the gastrointestinal tract.
The pit’s size is typically small enough to pass through the digestive system of an adult without issue. It moves through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, eventually being expelled in the stool within a few days. For adults, the risk of the pit causing an intestinal obstruction is very low.
The primary physical risk for small children is choking, as the pit can become lodged in the airway. For all individuals, the transit of a whole, undamaged pit is a benign event, as its protective shell prevents the release of any internal contents.
Understanding the Potential Toxic Risk
The actual danger associated with cherry pits comes from amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside found within the kernel. Amygdalin is naturally occurring and is not toxic on its own, but it can be converted into the poison hydrogen cyanide (HCN). This conversion only occurs when the protective outer shell of the pit is crushed, chewed, or otherwise broken.
When the pit is damaged, the amygdalin inside comes into contact with specific enzymes found in the pit and the human intestine. This enzymatic reaction breaks down the amygdalin, releasing hydrogen cyanide as a byproduct.
The amount of amygdalin varies significantly by cherry type. While the amount of cyanide released from a single, slightly damaged pit is typically too small to cause harm, chewing and swallowing multiple pits can potentially lead to toxicity. The toxic threshold for cyanide exposure is high for an adult, meaning a few crushed pits are unlikely to be acutely toxic, but the risk increases with the quantity ingested.
Signs That Warrant Medical Concern
If a cherry pit was swallowed whole and intact, observation is usually the only action required. However, immediate medical concern is warranted if a person, especially a child, has chewed or crushed several pits, which significantly increases the potential release of hydrogen cyanide. Symptoms of mild cyanide poisoning can include headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
As the exposure level increases, more severe symptoms can develop, indicating a serious medical emergency. These advanced signs include rapid heart rate, confusion, difficulty breathing, or seizures. If any of these symptoms appear after ingesting broken cherry pits, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center for guidance on the specific situation.