Damon Mcknight
Vitamin B17, also known as amygalin and laetrile, is a drug derived from plant substances. It is often marketed as a cure for cancer, but health authorities have warned that it is ineffective and potentially dangerous. In Australia, amygdalin has been a Schedule 10 prohibited substance since 1974 due to its toxicity and lack of evidence of therapeutic benefits. This classification means that it is illegal to supply or use amygdalin in the country. Despite the illegality, there have been reports of amygalin products being sold online and in retail stores in Australia, prompting enforcement actions from authorities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is B17 illegal in Australia? | Yes |
| What is B17? | A drug called laetrile, an artificial form of amygalin, a plant substance present in some nuts, plants, and fruit seeds. |
| Why is it illegal? | B17 is considered dangerous to health due to its metabolism into hydrogen cyanide within the gut wall. |
| What are the dangers of consuming B17? | Cyanide poisoning, which can lead to fever, headaches, organ damage, or even death. |
| Is there any evidence to support B17 as an effective treatment? | No, there is no evidence to support its use as a treatment, and it has been debunked by fact-checkers and health organizations. |
| Are there any ongoing supply, use, or harm concerns related to B17 in Australia? | Yes, there are concerns about the misuse of cyanogenic glycoside products for cancer prevention and treatment, and the significant toxicity that can occur unintentionally. |
| Have there been any legal actions taken against individuals or companies supplying B17 in Australia? | Yes, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has taken actions against individuals and companies, including issuing infringement notices and seizing potentially dangerous supplements. |
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What You'll Learn
B17 is toxic and dangerous
B17, also known as amygalin and laetrile, is a toxic and dangerous substance. It is a drug derived from plant substances found in small doses in a variety of nuts, plants, and seeds. While it is often referred to as a vitamin, it is not a vitamin or a safe substance recognised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
B17 is marketed as an alternative cancer therapy medication, with claims that it can cure cancer. However, there is no evidence to support these claims, and the substance is considered dangerous and potentially life-threatening. When ingested, B17 is broken down by the body into hydrogen cyanide, a highly poisonous and potentially deadly substance. Cyanide impedes the body's ability to use oxygen, leading to adverse effects such as fever, headaches, organ damage, and even death.
The potential dangers of B17 have been recognised by various health authorities. In Australia, B17 has been listed as a Schedule 10 prohibited substance (poison) since 1974 due to its toxicity and lack of therapeutic benefits. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has taken legal action against individuals and companies involved in the illegal manufacture, supply, and advertising of B17 products. Similar actions have been taken in the US and Europe, where the substance is also banned.
Despite the lack of evidence and recognised dangers, B17 continues to be promoted and sold, particularly online, as a miracle cure for cancer. This has led to concerns about the misuse of B17 products and the potential harm they can cause. The cancer industry is a $200 billion industry, and there are allegations that large pharmaceutical companies are prioritising profits over public health by blocking natural alternatives like B17. However, the primary concern with B17 is its toxicity and the serious health risks it poses to individuals who use it.
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B17 is not a vitamin
B17, also known as amygalin and laetrile, is not a vitamin. It is a drug derived from plant substances. B17 is often marketed as a "miracle cure" for cancer, but it is not recognised as safe or effective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health authorities.
The human body processes B17 into hydrogen cyanide, a highly poisonous and potentially deadly chemical. Cyanide impedes the body's ability to use oxygen, which can lead to fever, headaches, organ damage, and even death. There is no evidence that B17 is an effective treatment for cancer, and it has been linked to severe adverse effects, including cyanide poisoning.
In Australia, amygalin has been a Schedule 10 prohibited substance since 1974 due to its "serious toxicity and no clear evidence of therapeutic benefit". Schedule 10 lists substances that are so dangerous to public health that their supply and use are prohibited. Despite this, B17 products are still available online, and there have been cases of people being hospitalised due to their misuse.
The promotion of B17 as a cure for cancer has been attributed to a conspiracy by the pharmaceutical industry to protect its profits. However, the lack of approval for B17 as a safe and effective treatment is due to the potential health risks associated with its use, as evidenced by clinical data and research.
While some claim that B17 has been effective in controlling cancer, these assertions are not supported by rigorous scientific research. The potential dangers of B17, including cyanide toxicity and death, far outweigh any unsubstantiated benefits. Therefore, it is essential to follow the advice of recognised health authorities and not ingest B17 as a supposed cure for cancer or any other condition.
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B17 is not effective against cancer
While some sources claim that vitamin B17, also known as laetrile or amygalin, is an effective treatment for cancer, there is significant evidence to the contrary.
Firstly, it is important to note that vitamin B17 is not recognised as a vitamin by the American Institute of Nutrition Vitamins, nor is it considered safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has not approved the medical use of amygdalin due to a lack of adequate data on its effectiveness and the potential risk of adverse side effects.
Secondly, while some studies have suggested that amygdalin may have anticancer properties, these studies have primarily been conducted in vitro or in vivo on animal models, with limited human clinical trials. A 2015 systematic review, the gold standard of scientific research, concluded that clinical data did not support claims about amygdalin's beneficial effects for cancer patients.
Thirdly, the human body metabolises amygdalin into cyanide, a potentially deadly chemical. This can lead to fever, headaches, organ damage, and even death. As such, cancer research bodies strongly advise against ingesting amygdalin pills, and it is banned in several countries, including Australia, the US, and Europe.
While there may be some preliminary data suggesting that amygdalin could be a promising anticancer agent, the current consensus is that it is not effective against cancer and may, in fact, cause serious harm. More human clinical studies are needed to fully explore its potential effects on cancer treatment and prevention.
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B17 is a drug derived from plant substances
B17, also known as laetrile, is a synthetic form of amygdalin, a natural plant substance found in raw nuts, bitter almonds, apricot and cherry seeds, lima beans, clover, and sorghum. While it is often referred to as a vitamin, it is not considered a vitamin by the American Institute of Nutrition Vitamins.
B17 is derived from plant substances, specifically from the Prunus Amygdalis Rosacea family. It has been used as an alternative cancer therapy medication, with claims that it can improve health, energy levels, and well-being, detoxify and cleanse the body, and extend lifespan. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, and B17 is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to its potential health risks.
When ingested, B17 produces hydrogen cyanide, which can turn into cyanide in the body. Cyanide is a poisonous and dangerous chemical that can cause a range of adverse effects, including fever, headaches, organ damage, and even death. The risk of serious side effects from cyanide poisoning is particularly high when B17 is taken orally.
In Australia, amygdalin has been a Schedule 10 prohibited substance (poison) since 1974 due to its serious toxicity and lack of clear evidence of therapeutic benefits. The sale and promotion of B17 as a cancer cure have been met with warnings from health authorities and cancer research bodies, who advise against ingesting amygdalin pills due to their potential harm.
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B17 is banned in Australia
B17, also known as amygalin, laetrile, or vitamin B17, is banned in Australia due to safety concerns and the lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness as a treatment for cancer.
Amygdalin is a plant substance found in small doses in some nuts, plants, and fruit seeds. It has been marketed as an alternative cancer therapy medication, but experts warn that it is ineffective and potentially dangerous. When ingested, the human body converts amygdalin into cyanide, a highly poisonous and potentially deadly chemical. Cyanide impedes the body's ability to utilize oxygen, leading to adverse effects such as fever, headaches, organ damage, and even death.
In Australia, amygdalin has been classified as a Schedule 10 prohibited substance under the Poisons Standard since 1974 due to its "serious toxicity and no clear evidence of therapeutic benefit." This classification means that the substance is prohibited from supply and use due to its danger to public health.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia has taken action against individuals and companies, such as Aussie Mega Supplements, for the illegal manufacture, supply, and advertising of unregistered therapeutic goods containing amygdalin.
Despite the ban, some people continue to promote and sell "vitamin B17" pills or alternative medicines containing amygdalin, often making unsubstantiated claims about their effectiveness in treating cancer. However, cancer research bodies and health organizations strongly advise against ingesting amygdalin, emphasizing that it is not only ineffective but could also be life-threatening.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, B17 is illegal in Australia. It has been a Schedule 10 prohibited substance (poison) since 1974.
B17 is considered dangerous as it is metabolised into hydrogen cyanide, which is poisonous and potentially fatal.
B17, also known as amygalin and laetrile, is a drug derived from plant substances.
The human body releases cyanide when processing amygdalin. Cyanide is a potentially deadly chemical that impedes the body's ability to use oxygen.
B17 is often marketed as an alternative cancer therapy medication. However, there is no evidence to support its effectiveness in treating cancer.
