Apricot pits have a kernel inside that contains compounds some people take for health, but the evidence is mixed and safety matters

The pit of an apricot holds a kernel (also called the seed) that looks similar to an almond. This kernel contains amygdalin, a compound that breaks down into cyanide when digested. Some people consume apricot pit kernels because they believe amygdalin has anti-cancer properties, but scientific evidence for this claim is weak, and the cyanide risk is real. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not recognize apricot pit kernels as safe for human consumption, and they are banned for sale as food in the United States.

People also use apricot pit oil (pressed from the kernels) in skincare and massage, where the risk profile is different because the oil is applied to skin rather than swallowed. This guide covers what apricot pits contain, what research actually shows, and what you need to know before using them.

Key Takeaways

  • Apricot pit kernels contain amygdalin, which converts to cyanide in your body, making them unsafe to eat in quantity.
  • The claim that apricot pits treat cancer comes from amygdalin (sometimes called "laetrile" or "vitamin B17"), but major cancer organizations and the FDA found no evidence it works.
  • Apricot kernel oil used on skin carries lower risk than eating the kernels, but is not proven to treat any medical condition.
  • If you have eaten apricot pit kernels and feel nauseous, dizzy, or short of breath, seek medical attention and mention the exposure.

What Amygdalin Is and How It Works in Your Body

Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside—a compound found in the pits and seeds of stone fruits like apricots, peaches, and almonds. When you chew or digest apricot pit kernels, enzymes in your digestive tract break down amygdalin into hydrogen cyanide, benzaldehyde, and glucose. The amount of cyanide released depends on how many kernels you eat and how thoroughly you chew them.

Your body can process small amounts of cyanide through an enzyme called rhodanese, which converts it to thiocyanate and excretes it through urine. However, eating many apricot pit kernels at once can overwhelm this system. A single apricot pit kernel contains roughly 0.5 to 3 milligrams of amygdalin (the amount varies by variety and growing conditions). Eating 10 to 20 kernels can produce cyanide levels that cause symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

The Cancer Claims and What Research Shows

In the 1970s and 1980s, amygdalin was marketed as "laetrile" or "vitamin B17" as a cancer treatment, particularly in Mexico and parts of Europe. Proponents claimed it could target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. This claim attracted people with cancer who were desperate for alternatives to conventional treatment.

The National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the FDA all reviewed the available evidence and found no proof that laetrile or amygdalin treats cancer in humans. Multiple clinical trials showed it did not shrink tumors or extend survival. The FDA banned laetrile for sale in the United States in 1981. People who delayed conventional cancer treatment to use apricot pits instead sometimes experienced worse outcomes because their cancer progressed untreated.

Some laboratory studies have found that amygdalin can kill cancer cells in a test tube, but this does not mean it works in a living body. Many compounds kill cancer cells in the lab but are toxic or ineffective when taken by mouth. The leap from "works in a petri dish" to "treats human cancer" is not supported by clinical evidence.

Apricot Kernel Oil for Skin and Massage

Apricot kernel oil is pressed from the kernels and used in skincare products, massage oils, and cosmetics. When applied to skin rather than ingested, the risk of cyanide exposure is much lower because the skin acts as a barrier and amygdalin is not absorbed efficiently through intact skin. Many people use apricot kernel oil as a moisturizer or massage medium without incident.

However, apricot kernel oil is not proven to treat any skin condition or medical problem. Claims that it reduces wrinkles, heals scars, or treats eczema are marketing statements, not findings from rigorous studies. It may feel pleasant to use and may help skin retain moisture, but these effects are similar to other plant oils like jojoba or sweet almond oil. If you have sensitive skin or a known allergy to tree nuts, patch-test apricot kernel oil on a small area first.

How Much Cyanide Is in Apricot Pits

The amount of amygdalin (and therefore cyanide) in apricot pit kernels varies. Bitter apricot varieties, grown mainly in Central Asia and the Middle East, contain more amygdalin than sweet varieties common in North America. A single bitter apricot pit kernel can contain 1 to 3 milligrams of amygdalin, while a sweet variety might contain 0.5 milligrams or less.

Eating 1 or 2 kernels is unlikely to cause symptoms in most adults. Eating 10 to 20 kernels can produce nausea, headache, and dizziness. Eating 50 or more kernels can cause severe poisoning with symptoms like difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and cardiac arrest. Children are at higher risk because they weigh less and their bodies process cyanide more slowly. Pregnant women should avoid apricot pit kernels entirely because cyanide can cross the placenta.

Symptoms of Apricot Pit Kernel Poisoning

If you or someone else has eaten apricot pit kernels and symptoms develop, they usually appear within 15 minutes to an hour. Early signs include a bitter or almond-like taste in the mouth, headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. As exposure increases, symptoms progress to difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

If you suspect apricot pit kernel poisoning, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) or go to an emergency room when ready. Tell medical staff exactly how many kernels were eaten and when. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Poison Control can advise you on whether you need treatment, and emergency rooms can provide supportive care and, in severe cases, hydroxocobalamin (a medication that binds cyanide).

Alternatives If You Are Looking for Nutritional Support

If you were interested in apricot pit kernels for general health, whole apricots (the fruit itself) offer real nutritional value without the cyanide risk. Fresh or dried apricots contain fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and antioxidants like beta-carotene. A serving of dried apricots (about 1/4 cup) provides meaningful amounts of these nutrients and is safe to eat in normal quantities.

If you were considering apricot pits for a specific health concern—such as cancer, arthritis, or skin problems—talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about evidence-based options. Many people turn to unproven remedies when they feel unheard or when conventional treatment has not worked. A healthcare provider can help you weigh real risks and benefits and explore approaches that have actual research behind them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are apricot pit kernels the same as almonds?

No. Apricot pit kernels and almonds are both stone fruit seeds and look similar, but apricot kernels contain amygdalin (which breaks down into cyanide), while almonds do not. Never eat apricot pit kernels thinking they are almonds. Almonds are safe to eat in normal quantities.

Can I eat one or two apricot pit kernels safely?

One or two kernels from a sweet apricot variety are unlikely to cause symptoms in a healthy adult, but there is no truly "safe" amount because amygdalin content varies. Bitter varieties contain much more. The safest approach is to avoid eating them entirely, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have children in the home.

Is apricot kernel oil safe to use on my skin?

Apricot kernel oil applied to intact skin carries low risk because amygdalin is not absorbed efficiently through the skin barrier. However, it is not proven to treat any skin condition. If you enjoy using it as a moisturizer or massage oil, patch-test first if you have sensitive skin or tree nut allergies.

What should I do if I accidentally swallowed apricot pit kernels?

If you swallowed only one or two kernels from a sweet apricot variety, monitor yourself for symptoms over the next hour. If you swallowed many kernels, ate bitter apricot varieties, or develop any symptoms (nausea, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing), call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to an emergency room. Tell them how many kernels and what type.

Why are apricot pits still sold online if they are not safe?

Apricot pit kernels are banned for sale as food in the United States, but they are sometimes sold as "raw apricot kernels" or marketed for cosmetic or "educational" purposes. Sellers may make health claims that are not supported by evidence. The FDA has limited resources to monitor all online sales, so products that should not be sold still appear. Buyer responsibility is high in this space.