If you’ve ever googled “natural cancer cures,” chances are you’ve stumbled across something called vitamin B17, also known as amygdalin or laetrile.

Some integrative and holistic practitioners swear by it. Others won’t go near it.

So… what’s the truth? Is B17 a miracle suppressed by Big Pharma... or something that could actually harm your body?

Let’s break it down, in a way that honors both curiosity and caution.

What Is Vitamin B17?

First, B17 isn’t technically a vitamin. It’s a compound found in bitter apricot kernels, apple seeds, and certain stone fruits.

Its more scientific name is amygdalin, and when processed in the body, it can release hydrogen cyanide, yes, the same toxic substance used in poison.

In the 1950s and 60s, a synthetic form called laetrile started gaining traction as an “alternative cancer treatment.” The theory was that it could kill cancer cells without harming healthy ones.

It’s an interesting theory. And some test tube and animal studies did show anticancer activity. We’re talking about apoptosis (cancer cell death), slowing tumor growth, and other promising effects… in lab settings.

But when it came to actual humans? The results didn’t hold up.

What the Research Actually Says

The largest clinical trial on amygdalin (B17) was conducted by the National Cancer Institute in the early 1980s. It included 178 patients with advanced cancers.

All of them received laetrile alongside a full “metabolic therapy” program, diet changes, enzymes, and high-dose vitamins — similar to how many holistic protocols are structured today.

Here’s what they found:

• 🧬 No meaningful tumor shrinkage

• 📉 No improvement in survival

• ❌ No consistent symptom relief

• ⚠️ Several patients developed cyanide toxicity — especially when they ate raw almonds or doubled their dose

In fact, some blood cyanide levels reached concentrations known to be lethal in animals, and others were close to levels reported in fatal human poisonings.

Even minor changes, like taking two tablets at once or combining with high-vitamin C or β-glucosidase-rich foods, spiked cyanide levels dangerously.

The conclusion?

“Amygdalin is a toxic drug that is not effective as a cancer treatment.”

But I Know Someone Who Used It…

This is where things get tricky.

There are anecdotal stories of people who used B17 and saw improvements. But in nearly all of those cases, they were also doing multiple other things: detox protocols, mitochondrial support, emotional work, spiritual healing, dietary shifts, and more.

So it’s hard to know what really made the difference.

When you’re facing something like cancer, you want to choose tools that are both effective and safe. That’s why clinical data matters, especially when the risks include something as serious as cyanide toxicity.

If You’re Still Considering It…

Let’s be real, some people will still choose to explore B17. And that’s your call to make.

But if you're one of them, here’s what I’d say, not as your doctor (because I’m not), but as someone who deeply values root-cause healing and informed choice:

✔️ Do it under supervision
Always work with a practitioner who understands both the mechanism and the risks, especially if you’re using oral amygdalin, which carries a higher risk of cyanide toxicity compared to IV. Some integrative practitioners may lean on IV use because it bypasses digestion (and lowers cyanide exposure), but even then, it’s not risk-free. Make sure you're being monitored closely.

✔️ Be mindful of interactions
Avoid combining it with foods that naturally contain β-glucosidase (like raw almonds, flax, or certain fruit seeds) or supplements like high-dose vitamin C, which can increase cyanide release in the body. Even missing a dose and doubling up later (as some patients did in the trial) caused symptoms like nausea and confusion. Consistency and caution are key.

✔️ Support your drainage pathways
If your body is dealing with any kind of toxin, especially something as potent as this, your detox and drainage systems must be ready. At minimum, this includes:

• Bowel movements daily

• Castor oil packs over the liver

• Mitochondrial and bile support (bitters, binders, minerals)

• Avoiding overburdening your system — especially if you already get backed up during detox

Check out my Drainage Reset Program for more personalized guidance. 

✔️ Watch for warning signs
Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or shortness of breath can indicate cyanide buildup, especially with oral use. These are not just “detox symptoms”, they’re red flags. If something feels off, don’t push through it. Listen to your body and get help.

My Take, As Someone Who Believes in Root Cause Healing

There are so many ways to support the body in healing, that don’t involve taking something with a narrow safety margin.

I’m not here to scare you, but I am here to remind you:
B17 isn’t a magic bullet. And it's not a “vitamin” your body is missing.

It might feel like a shortcut, or the thing “they don’t want you to know about.”
But in real-world use, it hasn’t held up. And we have so many other tools that do work.

If you’ve been curious about it, now you know the full picture, both the hype and the hard truth.

And if you want to explore real root-cause tools, mitochondrial support, mineral balancing, immune modulation, nervous system repair, that’s exactly what I’m here for. 💛

Your body isn’t broken. It’s communicating.
Healing isn’t about doing the most. It’s about doing what makes sense, at the right time, with the right support.

If this helped you, feel free to share it with a friend who’s gone down the B17 rabbit hole. And if you have questions, I’m always here to chat.

With compassion,
Paola