Fruit seeds from pitted fruits, almonds or apples contain a chemical called amygdalin that produces cyanide when digested. The amount of seeds that it would take to cause severe illness or death is not exact. Because of the potentially quick reaction within the body, death can occur before questions can be asked. According to a 1998 report in the "Annals of Emergency Medicine," a woman experienced cyanide poisoning 20 minutes after consuming apricot kernels.

On the Other: Cyanide Poisoning from Fruit Seeds is Rare

Accidental swallowing of a single seed, or even two or three seeds, will most likely not cause you any problems. The amount of seeds consumed is the problem. Seeds consumed in large quantities can be problematic. However, the seeds that contain the most cyanide producing chemicals (such as bitter almonds) are not appetizing and so they are not often consumed in any quantity.

Bottom Line

While poisoning from fruit seeds is possible, the complications and illnesses that a person would experience are usually mild. In fact, the seeds that cause the most damage and worry are not often consumed by humans because they are not considered palatable.

Source:

Aetna: Intellihealth