Do Almonds Have Laetrile?

Laetrile is a partly man-made (synthetic) form of the natural substance amygdalin. Amygdalin is a plant substance found in raw nuts, bitter almonds, as well as apricot and cherry seeds. Plants like lima beans, clover and sorghum also contain amygdalin. Some people call laetrile vitamin B17, although it isn't a vitamin.

Is laetrile legal in the US?

During the 1970s, laetrile was a popular alternative treatment for cancer (8). However, it is now banned by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in many states.

Is laetrile toxic?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it as a medical treatment in the United States. The use of Laetrile has been linked to cyanide toxicity and death in a few cases, especially when it was being taken by mouth.