Laura Smith
Vitamin B17, also known as amygalin or laetrile, is a substance often referred to as a vitamin and is available as a supplement in drugstores and grocery stores. However, it is not recognized as a vitamin by the American Institute of Nutrition Vitamins and is not considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While vitamin B17 has been associated with potential health benefits, such as improving energy levels and possibly lowering blood pressure, it also has serious side effects and is banned by the FDA. It can cause the body to produce cyanide, a poisonous and dangerous chemical, which can lead to fatal cyanide poisoning. Natural sources of vitamin B17 include raw nuts, seeds, some fruits, legumes, and grasses. While mushrooms contain various B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, B6, and B12, there is no specific mention of them being a source of vitamin B17.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vitamin B17 sources | Seafood, poultry, dairy products, nuts, green leafy vegetables, seeds, grains, legumes, fruits, grasses, sprouts, beans, peas |
| Mushrooms' vitamins | D, K, C, B (thiamine, riboflavin, B6, B12), folate |
| Mushrooms' minerals | Potassium |
| Mushrooms' antioxidants | Choline |
| Vitamin B17 side effects | Cyanide poisoning, potentially fatal |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms contain vitamin B17, also known as amygalin or laetrile
Mushrooms contain vitamin B17, also known as amygdalin or laetrile. Vitamin B17 is believed to provide several health benefits, such as boosting energy levels, detoxifying the body, and promoting overall well-being. However, it is important to note that vitamin B17 is not recognized as a vitamin by the American Institute of Nutrition Vitamins and is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Vitamin B17 is found in a variety of natural food sources, including mushrooms. Mushrooms are a rich source of nutrients and provide many health benefits. They are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, which contribute to maintaining cardiovascular health and regulating blood pressure. Additionally, mushrooms contain antioxidants like choline, which may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
While vitamin B17 has been associated with potential cancer treatment, it is important to approach this claim with caution. Studies have shown that vitamin B17 can convert into cyanide within the body, which may have severe adverse effects. There is limited research to support the effectiveness of vitamin B17 in cancer treatment, and it is not recognized as a safe or effective treatment by experts.
Mushrooms are a safe and edible source of vitamin B17. When buying fresh mushrooms, it is recommended to choose ones that are firm, dry, and unbruised. They should be stored in the refrigerator, and it is best to wash and clean them carefully before use. Mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, such as whole, sliced, or diced, and can be added to a variety of dishes.
In conclusion, mushrooms contain vitamin B17, also known as amygdalin or laetrile, and provide a range of nutritional and potential health benefits. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with vitamin B17 and always consult a doctor or a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance on vitamin B17 or any other dietary supplement.
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B17 is found in raw nuts, seeds, and beans
Although commonly referred to as a vitamin, B17 is not recognized as such by the American Institute of Nutrition Vitamins. Also known as laetrile, amygalin, or D-mandelonitrile-b-D-glucosido-6-b-D-glucoside, it is a synthetic drug derived from plant substances.
Vitamin B17 is found in a variety of raw nuts, seeds, and beans, including bitter almonds, flaxseed, bean sprouts, and lima beans. It can also be found in the pips of fruits, such as apricot kernels.
When ingested, vitamin B17 is converted into cyanide in the small intestine. While it is technically possible to consume a lethal dose of amygdalin, it would require a significant amount to be eaten. However, there are concerns that regular consumption of foods containing B17 could lead to chronic health problems due to exposure to cyanide.
Vitamin B17 has been promoted as an alternative treatment for cancer, high blood pressure, and arthritis. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, and it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Most research on vitamin B17 focuses on its associations with cancer, and there is sparse research on its potential health benefits in other areas.
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B17 is a drug derived from plant substances
Although commonly referred to as a vitamin, B17 is not recognized as such by the American Institute of Nutrition Vitamins. It is also not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which classifies it as a drug. B17, also known as laetrile, amygalin, and D-mandelonitrile-b-D-glucosido-6-b-D-glucoside, is an artificial form of amygdalin, a plant substance found in small doses in some nuts, plants, and fruit seeds.
Laetrile is a synthetic drug version of amygdalin, a substance that occurs naturally in small doses in a variety of nuts, plants, and seeds. It was formulated by Dr. Ernst T. Krebs, Jr. in 1952 as a less harmful version of amygdalin, which his father, Dr. Ernst T. Krebs, Sr., had theorized could be effective against cancer. Despite not being a vitamin, Dr. Krebs Jr. described laetrile as vitamin B17, likely to avoid FDA regulations, which apply to medicines but not vitamins or supplements.
Vitamin B17 is available as an oral tablet or injection, and people may consider using it to treat cancer. However, there is no evidence supporting its effectiveness as a treatment, and it has been linked to potentially severe adverse effects, including cyanide poisoning, especially if taken orally. Cyanide poisoning can be fatal, and even small doses can cause mild-to-severe side effects.
While research on vitamin B17 is limited, some studies suggest it may provide health benefits beyond cancer treatment. For example, it may help lower blood pressure and provide pain relief, although more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
In terms of food sources, vitamin B17 can be found in seafood, poultry, dairy products, nuts, green leafy vegetables, seeds, grains, legumes, and some fruits. However, it is important to note that consuming these foods will not provide the concentrated dose of B17 that the drug form provides.
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B17 is not approved by the FDA and has serious side effects
Although people often refer to B17 as a vitamin, this substance is not approved by the American Institute of Nutrition Vitamins. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also does not recognize it as safe. B17 is a drug called laetrile, an artificial form of amygalin, a plant substance found in some nuts, plants, and fruit seeds. While some people may take laetrile to treat cancer, many experts consider it controversial as no research supports it as an effective treatment.
In fact, studies have linked laetrile to potentially severe side effects. Notably, taking vitamin B17 can cause the body to produce cyanide, a poisonous and dangerous chemical. This happens because the body converts the vitamin into cyanide in the small intestine. If taken orally, 500 milligrams (mg) of amygdalin may contain up to 30 mg of cyanide. Cyanide poisoning can be fatal, with a minimum lethal dose of approximately 50 mg or 0.5 mg per kg of body weight.
The FDA has taken action to halt the sales of laetrile, with a US District Judge in Miami issuing a preliminary injunction against three websites selling the product. Despite this, laetrile is still available for purchase online, and its use has resulted in calls to poison information centres.
While vitamin B17 supplements are available at drugstores and grocery stores, it is important to note that the FDA does not approve or regulate laetrile. This means that batches of the drug may vary in purity and composition, and there is a risk of serious side effects from cyanide poisoning.
In conclusion, while some may consider using vitamin B17 as a treatment for cancer, it is important to note that it is not approved by the FDA and has been linked to serious side effects, including cyanide poisoning.
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Mushrooms contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12
Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), B6, and B12. B vitamins help the body convert food into energy and are important for brain function and cell health. Each type of B vitamin has a unique function and they often work together.
Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is essential for converting carbohydrates into energy and supporting proper brain and nerve function. It also plays a role in maintaining a healthy nervous system and supporting heart health. A B1 deficiency can lead to confusion, irritability, poor coordination, lethargy, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, supports energy production by aiding the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. A B2 deficiency can cause ariboflavinosis.
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is important for a healthy brain and has a role in forming red blood cells. A B6 deficiency can have negative effects, but excessive intake should also be avoided.
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, promotes red blood cell formation, supports healthy brain function, and helps with the production of DNA. It is also essential for maintaining proper nerve function and helps to prevent anemia. B12 is generally low across most varieties of mushrooms and completely absent from plant sources. However, shiitake mushrooms are one of the few mushrooms that contain elevated levels of B12. Consuming 50 grams of dried shiitake mushrooms will meet the daily recommended value of B12.
In addition to B vitamins, mushrooms contain other important nutrients such as vitamin D, choline, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. These nutrients can provide various health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.
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Frequently asked questions
B17, also known as laetrile, amygalin, or D-mandelonitrile-b-D-glucosido-6-b-D-glucoside, is a synthetic drug derived from plants. It is not approved by the American Institute of Nutrition Vitamins, the FDA, or the U.S. Food and Drug Agency. It is also banned in the UK and Europe. Natural sources of B17 include raw nuts, seeds, and beans.
B17 is believed to improve health, energy levels, and well-being, as well as detoxifying and cleansing the body, and extending lifespan. It has also been used as a cancer treatment, though there is no evidence that it kills cancer cells.
Mushrooms contain a number of B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, B6, and B12. However, there is no evidence that they contain B17.
