Vitamin B17: The Greatest Cover-Up in Cancer History Nutritional Supplements
Vitamin B17: The Greatest Cover-Up in Cancer History Nutritional Supplements
Introduction
Vitamin B17, commonly referred to as Laetrile or Amygdalin, has sparked debate in the medical field for decades. Supporters believe it possesses powerful anti-cancer properties, while mainstream medicine has largely dismissed it as an unapproved therapy. Critics argue that this rejection may be influenced more by economic interests than by scientific evidence, since naturally occurring compounds like B17 cannot be patented or commercialized in the same way as pharmaceutical drugs.
What is Vitamin B17?
Vitamin B17 is a naturally occurring compound present in the seeds of certain fruits—most notably apricots—as well as in other plants and foods. Chemically, it consists of glucose and hydrogen cyanide, two elements that, according to some research, may work together to specifically attack cancer cells. The benzaldehyde and cyanide components are believed to act in synergy, destroying malignant cells while leaving normal, healthy cells relatively unharmed.
Although some health authorities warn of potential toxicity, advocates insist that B17 is safe and beneficial when used in proper doses. Nonetheless, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve Laetrile as a cancer treatment, classifying it as “unapproved” and restricting its medical use within the United States.
Historical Background and Medical Use
The use of Vitamin B17 as a cancer remedy dates back several decades, with notable popularity in the 1950s and 1970s among alternative health practitioners. Despite anecdotal reports of success, scientific trials produced mixed results, and most regulatory agencies concluded that the evidence was insufficient to confirm its efficacy. However, interest in B17 continues among natural health circles and holistic medicine advocates, who argue that more unbiased research is needed to uncover its full potential in cancer prevention and treatment.
