ISLAMABAD: Doctors in Pakistan have issued warnings corroborating viral claims on social media that eating large amounts of apricot seeds can be fatal and lead to cyanide poisoning.
The claims surfaced on social media on July 5, with a Facebook post stating that apricot kernels are believed to be beneficial and can prevent diseases, including cancer. However, the reality is quite the opposite, as apricot kernels contain the potentially deadly poison cyanide.
Nutritionists and doctors have cautioned that consuming more than 10 or 15 apricot seeds in a day can lead to cyanide poisoning and even death.
Health Experts’ Opinion About Eating Apricot Seeds
Farah Syed, a senior dietitian at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, explained that apricot seeds contain amygdalin, an enzyme that can be converted into cyanide in the gut. The level of danger depends on the quantity of the seeds consumed, as having five to six seeds is not harmful. However, consuming large quantities (15-20 seeds) can be dangerous and potentially fatal.
Dr. Rezzan Khan, the head of the clinical nutrition department and a consultant nutritionist at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, also confirmed the risks associated with eating apricot kernels in large quantities. She explained that boiling the kernels at a high temperature for around 20-30 minutes can destroy the poisonous effect.
661465049-Cot-Statement-Apricot-200615The UK’s Food Standards Agency also issued a report stating that each apricot kernel contains approximately 0.5 mg of cyanide. Consumers are advised to eat a maximum of five kernels in an hour and no more than 10 in a day to avoid cyanide poisoning.
The warnings from Pakistani doctors serve as a reminder to the public to exercise caution and moderation when consuming apricot seeds to avoid potential health risks and cyanide poisoning.
