When enjoying the sweet taste of cherries, it is common to encounter the hard pit at their center. Many people wonder about the safety of these pits, especially if one is accidentally swallowed. Cherries are classified as drupes, or stone fruits, meaning their seed is encased within a hard, stony shell. Concerns about the pits arise due to their potential toxic properties.
The Compound Responsible for Toxicity
Cherry pits contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside. This compound can transform into the toxic substance hydrogen cyanide within the body. This conversion occurs when the pit is crushed or chewed, allowing amygdalin to contact specific enzymes. The hard outer shell of the cherry pit acts as a protective barrier, preventing the release of amygdalin if the pit remains intact.
Hydrogen cyanide is a potent toxin that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen, potentially harming vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs. The amount of amygdalin varies significantly among different cherry varieties; for example, Morello cherry pits can contain substantially higher concentrations compared to red or black cherries.
Potential Effects of Ingestion
The effects of ingesting a cherry pit depend largely on whether the pit was swallowed whole or crushed. If a whole cherry pit is swallowed, it typically passes through the digestive tract undigested and is excreted in the stool, posing little toxic risk. The primary concern with swallowing whole pits is the potential for choking or, in large quantities, a blockage in the colon. This is because the hard, indigestible nature of the pit means it will not break down in the stomach.
If a cherry pit is chewed or crushed, however, the amygdalin inside can be released and converted into hydrogen cyanide, leading to potential toxicity. Mild symptoms of cyanide exposure may include headache, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, and stomach upset. These symptoms usually appear within minutes to hours after ingesting the crushed pits. The severity of symptoms correlates with the amount of crushed pit consumed and the individual’s body weight, with children being more susceptible to cyanide toxicity than adults.
In more severe cases of significant crushed pit ingestion, serious symptoms can arise. These may include increased blood pressure and heart rate, difficulty breathing, kidney failure, seizures, and even coma. While a single crushed pit is unlikely to cause severe poisoning, consuming multiple crushed pits can lead to more pronounced effects. For instance, consuming approximately 3-4 crushed pits of Morello cherries or 7-9 pits of red or black cherries might lead to cyanide toxicity in some individuals.
What to Do After Eating a Cherry Pit
If you accidentally swallow a whole cherry pit, it will likely pass through your system without being digested, posing no immediate toxic concern.
If a cherry pit was chewed or crushed before ingestion, it is important to monitor for any symptoms of toxicity. In such instances, contacting poison control is recommended for guidance. The Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 is a free, 24/7 service available for this purpose.
Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if severe symptoms develop, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically advised to do so by a medical professional. Providing details about the quantity of pits ingested and the time of consumption can assist medical personnel in their assessment.