Quick Answer
It is generally not recommended to eat cherry pits due to the small levels of cyanide present. While a small amount of cherry pits is unlikely to cause harm, regularly consuming large quantities of cherry pits may result in cyanide poisoning over time. Experts recommend enjoying cherries without eating the pits.
How Much Cyanide is in Cherry Pits?
Cherry pits contain a compound called amygdalin, which can break down into cyanide in the human body. The amygdalin content varies depending on the type of cherry. On average, cherry pits contain around 0.5 to 1 milligrams of amygdalin per gram. This means that a single cherry pit may contain around 0.17 to 0.35 milligrams of amygdalin.
To put this in perspective, consuming over 0.5 to 3.5 milligrams of cyanide per kilogram of body weight can be dangerous. So a 150 pound (68kg) person would need to eat about 34 to 238 cherry pits for potential toxicity. However, the body can detoxify low doses of cyanide over time. Eating small amounts occasionally is unlikely to cause harm.
Cyanide Poisoning Symptoms
In cases of acute cyanide poisoning from consuming large amounts, symptoms occur rapidly and can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Dizziness
- Confusion and anxiety
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
With chronic lower level exposure over time, symptoms are more subtle and can include:
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes
- Changes in thyroid function
- Stomach pain
Severe cyanide poisoning without rapid treatment can lead to coma, brain damage and death.
How the Body Detoxifies Cyanide
Fortunately, the human body has some ability to detoxify cyanide. An enzyme called rhodanese converts cyanide into thiocyanate, a less harmful molecule that can be excreted in urine. The liver also produces vitamin B12, which helps this detoxification process.
However, the body’s capacity to detoxify cyanide depends on the dose and frequency of exposure. Consuming occasional small amounts of cyanide allows the body time to eliminate it between exposures. But regularly eating cherry pits taxes this system.
What Expert Agencies Say
Due to the potential for cyanide toxicity, health organizations recommend against eating cherry pits and advise caution about amygdalin supplements made from fruit pits. Here are some key recommendations:
FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers against amygdalin or laetrile, cautioning that it has caused sickness and death. The FDA has not approved it for cancer treatment, and considers it toxic when taken by mouth.
CDC
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that fruit pits and seeds should not be eaten due to their amygdalin content. They specifically advise not eating or swallowing apricot and cherry pits.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society cautions people not to eat amygdalin or laetrile due to lack of evidence for efficacy against cancer, as well as the risk of cyanide poisoning.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan Kettering advises against using amygdalin to prevent or treat cancer, due to its toxic side effects and lack of demonstrated anti-cancer benefits.
Case Reports of Toxicity
While major poisoning from cherry pits appears relatively uncommon, there are documented cases:
- An elderly woman experienced vomiting, cyanosis, hypotension, metabolic acidosis and coma after consuming an estimated 30-40 cherry pits. She recovered after supportive care and treatment with the antidote hydroxocobalamin. (Sonobe, 2021)
- A middle-aged man intentionally ingested around 200 cherry pits as an integrative cancer treatment and developed vertigo, altered mental status, renal failure and metabolic acidosis. He was hospitalized for supportive care. (Fry, 2019)
- A case report from 1978 documented cyanide toxicity in a 28-year-old man who had consumed 10 teaspoons of ground apricot kernels. He experienced nausea, disorientation, and low blood oxygen levels. He recovered after treatment. (Sauer, 1978)
These cases involved eating abnormally large quantities of pits/seeds well above typical dietary exposure. But they illustrate the potential for toxicity at excessive doses.
Accidental Exposure in Children
Accidental swallowing of 1-2 cherry pits is less concerning. But pediatric poisoning specialists note cherry pits occasionally causes toxicity in small children with accidental ingestion. Children may be more susceptible due to their lower body weight.
One medical review identified 16 cases of pediatric cyanide poisoning from accidentally swallowed cherry pits over a 25 year period. Symptoms ranged from vomiting to loss of consciousness requiring hospitalization. (Risser, 2007)
So supervision around young children is advisable when serving cherries. Advocate Children’s Hospital advises removing cherry pits before giving cherries to toddlers.
Safer Ways to Enjoy Cherries
Fortunately, cherries are nutritious and delicious even without eating the pits. Here are some ways to enjoy their benefits safely:
- Buy pitted fresh or frozen cherries
- Spit out pits when eating unpitted cherries
- Avoid swallowing pits when eating canned cherries
- Drink bottled cherry juice where pits have been removed
- Make cherry jam after pitting or buy pitted jam
The flesh, juice and skin of cherries provide vitamin C, potassium, antioxidants and plant compounds like anthocyanins without the risks of the pit. So savor the pleasurable taste and nutrition of cherries without going overboard on the pits.
When to Seek Medical Care
If signs of cyanide toxicity occur after accidentally or intentionally consuming cherry pits or known cyanide exposures, urgently seek medical care or call 911. With rapid supportive treatment, most cases of cyanide poisoning fully recover.
The Bottom Line
While a small number of cherry pits is unlikely to cause acute poisoning in most adults, experts advise against making them a regular part of the diet due to potential cumulative toxicity over time. The flesh and juice of cherries offer nutritional benefits without the risks. Supervise young children around whole cherries and consider removing pits before serving to prevent accidental swallowing. But overall, be cautious about overconsuming any food that contains compounds that release cyanide. Moderation is key when snacking on cherry pits.