Apricot kernels are ineffective at treating cancer

Misinformation is rife online and working out the truth can be difficult. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

There have been some websites suggesting that apricot kernels are effective in treating cancer. In fact, eating too many apricot kernels can be dangerous. Avoid this misinformation and read on to learn more.

Denise from Lane Cove asked:

Eating apricot kernels in large amounts is not only ineffective for treating cancer, but could also be very dangerous.

There is a chemical found in apricot kernels known as amygdalin, which is also marketed, in a slightly modified form, as “Laetrile”. Laetrile is deceptively sold as an alternative treatment for cancer.

There is no evidence that laetrile is effective at treating cancer. The only clinical trial in humans was conducted in 1982 and concluded “No substantive benefit was observed in terms of cure, improvement, or stabilization of cancer, improvement of symptoms related to cancer, or extension of life span”.

Ingesting Laetrile may lead to cyanide toxicity and should be avoided. In fact, the sale of raw apricot kernels was prohibited in Australia and New Zealand in December, 2015.

This article was last updated 09/09/2024.

Article written by Saffron Barham, Cancer Council Australia and reviewed by Associate Professor Carolyn Ee, Principal Fellow, NICM Health Research Institute