Amygdalin vs. Laetrile: Understanding the Difference

6 Days Ago | By Apricot Power
B17 • Health & Wellness

At Apricot Power, our goal is to get B17 back into EVERY BODY! To help you understand this wonderful compound and make informed decisions for your health, we want to clear up the confusion surrounding two terms often used interchangeably: Amygdalin and Laetrile.

While they are molecularly related, they are not the same thing.

What is Vitamin B17 (Amygdalin)?

Vitamin B17, technically known as Amygdalin, is a gift from nature. It is a natural, plant-based compound belonging to the cyanogenic glycoside family. While it was popularized under the name "Vitamin B17" by biochemist Ernst T. Krebs in 1952, the molecule itself has been a vital part of the human diet for centuries.

Amygdalin is found in over 1,200 different foods, including:

Seeds: Apricot kernels, apples, cherries, pears, and plums.
Nuts: Raw almonds and macadamia nuts.
Grains & Legumes: Lima beans, flax seeds, barley, and millet.

Because it is a naturally occurring nutrient found in common foods, Vitamin B17 is not illegal and never has been. It is impossible to outlaw a compound that exists so abundantly in the natural world.

What is Laetrile?

While Laetrile was designed to be molecularly similar to Amygdalin, it is a synthetic derivative created in a laboratory.

Because it is a synthetic drug rather than a natural food extract, Laetrile is illegal to produce and sell in the United States and parts of Europe. It is important to note that none of our products contain Laetrile. We focus exclusively on the natural extraction of B17 directly from the source (Apricot Seeds).

How Your Body Processes Amygdalin

A common question involves how the body handles this complex molecule. Amygdalin is made of several components, including cyanide, that are tightly bound together. In this natural state, the compound is biologically inactive.

When Amygdalin is introduced into the body, a brilliant metabolic system takes over. A specific enzyme called rhodanese, which is abundant in our tissues, has a primary job: to find such compounds and safely neutralize them. Rhodanese expertly breaks down the molecule and converts the cyanide component into thiocyanate—a harmless substance that the body easily and safely excretes.

Why Supplement with Vitamin B17?

In a perfect world, we would get every necessary nutrient from our diet alone. However, modern food processing often strips away these essential compounds, leaving our bodies craving what nature originally provided.

Vitamin B17 is prized for its immunity-boosting properties. By supplementing with our products, you are providing your body with a natural and quality source of this traditional nutrient to help strengthen your natural defenses.

Want to know more about Apricot Seeds and B17?

Check out these articles to dive deeper into your wellness journey:

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.