Cyanide poisoning caused by ingestion of apricot seeds

Abstract

Cyanide poisoning associated with ingestion of apricot seeds is an important poison in children, many of whom require intensive care.

Amygdalin content of seeds, kernels and food products commercially-available in the UK

“…The amygdalin content of stone fruit seeds could produce cyanide in the range of 0.01 -1.1 mg cyanide equivalents/g; this value is relatively high. Thus, ingestion of the kernels either intentionally or accidentally could result in acute or sub-acute health problems (Akyildiz, Kurtoğlu, Kondolot, & Tunç, 2010;Cigolini, Ricci, Zannoni, Codogni, Luca, Perfetti, & Giampaolo, 2011) especially if taking place over prolong periods of time.…”

“…Failure to minimise exposure to amygdalin (and, consequently, hydrogen cyanide) could result in acute and sub-acute health problems to consumers (Shragg, Albertson, & Fisher, 1982;Akyildiz et al, 2010).…”

Awareness, among primary health care physicians, of acute cyanide poisoning being a possible consequence of fire accidents

“…These include apricot seeds [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10], cassava -the tapioca root consumed commonly as sago [11], peaches [10,12], flax seeds [13], bitter almonds [14] apple seeds [10], cherry [15,16], papayas, lima beans, clover and sorghum [17]. Human body has built in metabolic mechanisms capable of detoxifying small quantities of cyanide ingested.…”

Phytochemical,Physicochemical, Anti-Nutritional And Fatty Acids Composition Of Soldier Termites (Coptotermes Gestroi) From Paikoro Local Governvernt, Niger State, Nigeria

“…The oxalate content obtained from this work suggested that, it could be safe for consumption as far as it oxalates content was concerned since it fell below the lethal dose limit. High level of cyanide in foods has been implicated with cerebral damage and lethargy in man and his animals [21] although most levels of this substance are generally regarded to be highly toxic to animals. NRC, [22] gave the toxic level to be between the range of 50 to 200mg/100g.…”