Apple Seeds Have Poisonous Cyanide

Apples have many health qualities, hence the adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

Apples are low in calories, providing approximately 50 to 65 calories (depending on size). Apples are rich in dietary fiber, aiding in digestive health. Apples provide antioxidant protection and are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and iron.

But, be careful; apple seeds contain a cyanide compound referred to as cyanogenic acids. Accidental ingestion of a few apple seeds once in a while probably will not affect you. In fact, swallowed seeds normally pass through the body with your normal bodily function.

Chewed seeds, on the other hand, open the outer protective shell of the seed and expose your body to the toxin found inside the seeds. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning can range from mild, such as headache, dizziness, confusion, and vomiting to severe, such as respiratory arrest, kidney failure, coma, and death.

Be aware of other plants that contain cyanogenic acids. This poisonous compound can be found in the pits and seeds of cherry, peaches, plums, almonds, pears, and apricots. While it is highly unlikely that you will accidentally or purposefully chew into the pits and seeds of these fruit, it is likely that your pets and livestock may have an opportunity to congest excessive amounts of cyanide if left unattended.

The following information about apple seeds and other poisonous plants is found at the FDA Poisonous Plant Database.

FDA Poisonous Plant Database

AUTHOR(S): Krieger, R. I.
TITLE: Cyanophoric plants.
YEAR: 1976 CITATION: Toxicol Newsletter, 2(5), 2 [English]
FDA #: F08093
ABSTRACT: Complete article: "Apricot kernels, widely available in health food stores and promoted as nutritional and medicinal products, have been associated recently with cyanide poisoning in California. Controversy results from many food faddists who deny the potential toxicity of fruit stone kernels. The toxicity of peach kernels was recorded over 4,000 years ago in the Eber's Papyrus. Today amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside, is recognized as the poisonous principle of both peach and apricot kernels. Hydrolysis of cyanogenic glycosides releases HCN. One of the recent cases involved a 56-year-old woman who ate a 'handful' of apricot kernels and required hospital admission and overnight observation (California Morbidity, 512, Dec. 26, 1975). In a second instance, a 34-year-old man purchased a one pound package of apricot kernels. He used a portion to make two milkshakes. The man's wife consumed only a small amount of her milk shake because she didn't like the taste. The man drank his milk shake plus the remainder of his wife's. His total consumptionof kernels was about 48. After one hour the husband developed forceful vomiting, perspiration, dizziness and faintness. Both were Ipecaced at a local emergency room, and the husband's symptoms rapidly subsided. The woman remained asymptomatic throughout (California Morbidity, 45, November 14, 1975). The hazardousness of ingestion of apricot kernels is usually not known to either retailers or consumers. Warning labelling and technical product information should both be required. A study of the potential toxicity of apricot kernels is in progress to permit more complete assessment of risk. The study will include case reports and analysis for total cyanide of prepared foods containing apricot kernels. References to case histories and to methods of preparation of apricot kernels (and other cyanogens including peach kernel, plum kernel, apple seed, etc.) would greatly facilitate this work. Send to: Dr. Robert I. Krieger, Dapartment of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, California 95616.

Source:

• USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory
• FDA Poisonous Plant Database