Always Read The Fine Print - Cyanide Toxicity From Ingestion Of Vitamin B17 Tablets: A Case Report

Abstract

The use of vitamins and minerals as supplements is highly prevalent in most patient populations, owing to their purported long-term benefits and relative lack of harm on continued use. However, similarly marketed supplements may contain ingredients that can harm the user. Our case highlights a 45-year-old male who ingested several tablets of a supplement known as vitamin B17, Amygdalin, with subsequent fatigue, mild lactic acidosis, and worsening shortness of breath. He was treated as a case of cyanide toxicity based on clinical suspicion and improved subsequently. The case describes the potential harm from unregulated substances, particularly those purchased online. Vitamin B17, or Amygdalin, may be present in various anti-cancer supplementation and caution is advised in its use due to its association with cyanide poisoning.