Share:
Alternative cancer prevention patient poisoned by apricot kernel extract
A man who took apricot kernel extract for years to prevent cancer has been seriously poisoned by this "alternative medicine". Apricot kernels contain a substance that is converted into cyanide. This poison can be life threatening. Despite the risk, the man wants to continue taking his home-made remedy.
Apricot kernels consumed for cancer prevention
Fruit is healthy. Not all of it, though. As reported in the medical journal "BMJ Case Reports," a man has suffered cyanide poisoning after years of consuming apricot kernel extract. According to the information, the 67-year-old used the "alternative medicine" for cancer prevention daily for five years. However, apricot kernels also contain a naturally occurring substance called amygdalin, which turns into cyanide (cyanide) after consumption.
A man who took apricot kernel extract for years to prevent cancer has contracted a severe poisoning. The nuclei contain a substance that turns into cyanide after consumption. (Image: M. Schuppich / fotolia.com) Alarming high cyanide levels measured
According to the report, during an operation, the man's extremely low oxygen levels were noticeable. In addition, alarming cyanide levels were measured in blood tests.
After the patient had awakened from general anesthesia, he informed the doctors about his self-medication: therefore, he daily two teaspoons of his homemade apricot extract and three fruit kernel tablets was taken.
According to the magazine, the man consumed 17 milligrams of the extract every day - enough to increase the cyanide level in the blood to 25 times the amount that is considered harmless.
Poisoning can be fatal
"Cyanide poisoning can cause nausea, fever, headache, insomnia, thirst, sluggishness, nervousness, various joint and muscle pains, and low blood pressure," writes the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in a statement.
"In extreme cases, it can lead to death," it continues. "Studies suggest that as little as 0.5 to 3.5 milligrams (mg) of cyanide per kilogram of body weight can kill."
According to other health experts, 50 milligrams of the poison (one to two teaspoons) can lead to the death of a 72-pound human.
Apricot fruits pose no health hazard
According to the "BMJ" report, the case of the man shows that self-medication with so-called alternative medicine can be dangerous.
It is said that the doctors have expressed their concerns to the patient, who has decided to continue taking his apricot kernel extract.
EFSA also pointed out last year how dangerous the consumption of apricot kernels can be, especially for small children.
But: "The normal consumption of apricot fruits poses no health risk for consumers," say the experts. (Ad)