Promising Cancer Cure? Controversial Vitamin B17 Lacks Scientific Evidence
Vitamin B17, also known as amygdalin or laetrile, has long been touted as a potential cure for cancer. However, a recent examination of the scientific evidence surrounding this controversial vitamin has found no support for its purported cancer-fighting abilities. In fact, the use of amygdalin or laetrile as a cancer treatment is not only highly controversial but also unsupported by any scientific research.
The so-called Vitamin B17 is actually a misnomer, according to Dr. Suhail Qureshi, a senior consultant in Oncology. There is no molecule in the B-complex family called Vitamin B17. The substance commonly referred to as Vitamin B17 is amygdalin or laetrile, which was first isolated from bitter almond seeds back in 1830.
Attempts to use amygdalin or laetrile as a cancer treatment have been made since the mid-19th century in countries like Russia and the United States. However, its toxic nature and lack of efficacy have prevented it from gaining acceptance in the medical community. Numerous studies and clinical trials have failed to demonstrate any meaningful anti-cancer effects of amygdalin or laetrile. In fact, some clinical trials have even shown that it has no significant impact on cancer progression.
Furthermore, laetrile contains a cyanide molecule, which is highly toxic to all cells, including healthy ones. Ingesting high amounts of amygdalin can lead to cyanide poisoning, which can be life-threatening. This raises concerns about the safety of using amygdalin or laetrile as a cancer treatment.
A systematic review released by the Cochrane Library in 2015 found no evidence to support the claims of laetrile’s benefits in cancer treatment. Controlled clinical trials did not back up the supposed advantages of laetrile, and there is a high risk of cyanide poisoning as a side effect, especially when taken orally.
It is important for individuals diagnosed with cancer to seek evidence-based treatments under the guidance of qualified medical professionals. Relying solely on alternative treatments like amygdalin can lead to delays or the avoidance of proven treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. These treatments have been scientifically proven to be effective in treating cancer.
Due to its potential risks and lack of proven efficacy, amygdalin and laetrile have been banned or strictly regulated in many countries, including the United States. Making informed decisions about treatment options is crucial, and consulting with medical oncologists and specialized healthcare providers who have expertise in cancer treatment is strongly recommended.
In conclusion, there is no scientific evidence to support the utilization of amygdalin or laetrile as an effective approach for preventing or curing cancer. Relying on unproven and potentially harmful treatments can pose a risk to a patient’s health and well-being. It is essential to base medical decisions on reliable, well-established scientific research and to avoid the pitfalls of unproven alternative medicine.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.
