The substance commonly known as “Vitamin B17” has been a source of significant controversy in cancer treatment for decades. Despite its presence in alternative medicine, claims about its effectiveness remain highly disputed. This compound, often promoted as a natural remedy, lacks widespread acceptance within the conventional medical community.
What is Vitamin B17?
“Vitamin B17” is not a true vitamin, but rather a compound scientifically identified as amygdalin. It is also frequently marketed under the name Laetrile, which is a semi-synthetic derivative of amygdalin. Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside, meaning it contains a cyanide group within its chemical structure.
This compound naturally occurs in the seeds and pits of various fruits, particularly those belonging to the Prunus genus, such as apricots, bitter almonds, cherries, peaches, and plums. Amygdalin can also be found in other plants, including lima beans, clover, and sorghum. While amygdalin was first isolated in 1830, the term “Vitamin B17” was introduced in 1952, though it is not recognized as a vitamin by nutritional science due to the absence of an established metabolic need or deficiency symptoms.
The Theory Behind Its Cancer Claims
The theory suggesting “Vitamin B17” as an anti-cancer agent centers on the concept of selective toxicity. Proponents claim that amygdalin, or Laetrile, releases cyanide preferentially in cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This proposed mechanism involves the enzyme beta-glucosidase, which is thought to be present in higher concentrations in cancer cells compared to normal cells.
When amygdalin comes into contact with beta-glucosidase, it is hydrolyzed, breaking down into benzaldehyde, glucose, and hydrogen cyanide. The hydrogen cyanide, also known as cyanide, is believed to be the active compound that targets and destroys cancer cells. Conversely, healthy cells are theorized to be protected by the enzyme rhodanese, which can convert cyanide into a less harmful substance called thiocyanate.
Scientific Consensus and Clinical Evidence
The scientific consensus is that “Vitamin B17” (amygdalin or Laetrile) has not been proven effective as a cancer treatment. Despite decades of research, no reliable scientific evidence supports claims that it can treat or prevent cancer in humans. Major health organizations do not endorse its use.
Clinical trials have consistently shown no benefit in treating or preventing cancer with Laetrile. For example, a 1982 Mayo Clinic trial involving 178 cancer patients found no substantive benefit in terms of cure, improvement, stabilization, or extended life span. This study concluded that amygdalin is a toxic drug and not effective as a cancer treatment.
Systematic reviews, such as one by the Cochrane Library in 2015, also concluded that Laetrile’s claimed benefits for cancer patients are not supported by clinical data. These reviews indicate a considerable risk of serious adverse effects from cyanide poisoning, especially when taken orally, leading to a negative risk-benefit balance. While some laboratory studies suggest potential anticancer properties, these findings have not translated into effective or safe human treatments.
The lack of controlled clinical trials complicates evaluating Laetrile’s effectiveness, as anecdotal reports often lack uniform documentation or combine Laetrile with conventional therapies, making it impossible to isolate benefits. Therefore, despite ongoing claims by some alternative therapists, the scientific and medical communities do not recommend amygdalin or Laetrile for cancer treatment.
Safety Concerns and Risks
Consuming “Vitamin B17” or Laetrile carries significant health risks due to the release of cyanide in the body. When ingested, particularly orally, intestinal bacteria enzymes break it down, forming hydrogen cyanide, a potent poison. The oral form is considerably more potent than intravenous forms, as the gastrointestinal tract facilitates this conversion.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning range from mild to severe, including fever, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. More severe effects encompass liver damage, low blood pressure, nerve damage leading to difficulty walking, confusion, coma, and even death. The amount of cyanide released is influenced by amygdalin dosage and co-ingestion of foods containing beta-glucosidase, like raw almonds or fruit pits. High doses of vitamin C can also increase cyanide toxicity.
Regulatory Status and Public Health Warnings
“Vitamin B17” and Laetrile are not approved by major health authorities, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for cancer treatment. The FDA banned its sale and interstate shipment in 1980 due to lack of proven effectiveness and significant cyanide poisoning risk. Despite this, it is still manufactured and administered in some countries, like Mexico, and can be purchased online.
Public health warnings have been issued by medical organizations against Laetrile’s use. These warnings emphasize no scientific evidence supports its cancer treatment claims and highlight serious health risks. Regulatory bodies advise against unproven therapies like Laetrile, as they can be dangerous and may lead individuals to forgo conventional, evidence-based cancer treatments.