Laetrile (Vitamin B17)

Amygdalin is a natural substance that’s found in raw nuts like almonds and the seeds and kernels of many fruits, particularly apricots. It’s also present in lima beans, clover, sorghum, and many other things. Vitamin B-17 is the name given to this substance by Dr. Ernst T. Krebs Jr., the man who first identified amygdalin. He called it a food component, and food components that are natural, non-toxic, water-soluble, and compatible with human metabolisms – like amygdalin – are called vitamins. Laetrile is the concentrated, purified form of amygdalin developed for use in the laboratory and in cancer treatments. Laetrile Therapy combines amygdalin with other factors to create a potent treatment that claims to fight cancer cells while helping to strengthen the body’s immune system.

How Laetrile (Vitamin B17) works

What Research Says about Laetrile (Vitamin B17)

There are several theories on how laetrile fights cancer in the body.

Laetrile is broken down in the body by the natural enzymes within cancerous cells, turning it into cyanide and killing only the cancerous cells, leaving the healthy cells alone.

Some studies have shown that laetrile can kill cells in specific cancer types; however, more research needs to be done.

Another theory suggests that a B17 deficiency causes cancer, although B17 is not naturally found in the body. Therefore you can not be "deficient" in B17.

At this time, clinical evidence does not support the use of laetrile to have anti-cancer benefits.

History of Laetrile (Vitamin B17)

The use of amygdalin as an anti-cancer agent has been around since the 1800s. The synthetic form laetrile was synthesized in 1952 by Dr. Ernst T. Krebs, Jr.

How To use Laetrile (Vitamin B17)

IV B17 is given intravenously or through muscle tissue (intramuscularly) at a doctor's office or clinic.

Risks / Side Effects of Laetrile (Vitamin B17)

Laetrile contains cyanide so you will want to be on the lookout for cyanide toxicity.

Fever
Rash
Nausea
Vomiting
Headaches
Bluish Skin Discoloration
Low Blood Pressure
Lack of Oxygen to the Bodies Tissues
Confusion
Coma
Death

Anti-Cancer Benefits of Laetrile (Vitamin B17)

Some studies have shown that laetrile can kill cells in specific cancer types; however, more research needs to be done.