Are Plum Pits Poisonous: Understanding the Risks of Consuming Cyanogenic Substances

While enjoying a delicious plum, it's natural to wonder about the safety of its pit. This article will explore the potential risks associated with consuming plum pits, particularly the presence of cyanogenic compounds and whether they can cause harm.

The Nature of Cyanogenic Compounds in Plum Pits

Plum pits contain a compound called amygdalin, which is converted to cyanide during metabolism. Amygdalin is found in various stone fruits, including almonds, peaches, and apricots. However, the amount of amygdalin in a single plum pit is relatively small, making the risk of poisoning from accidentally consuming a small amount of crushed pit low.

The Risk of Poisoning from Shattered Pits

If a plum pit is shattered, it is possible that some amygdalin could mix with the fruit's flesh. Nevertheless, the high water content in plums means that the flesh is unlikely to absorb significant amounts of the compound. If you consume a small amount of a shattered pit, you might experience mild symptoms like nausea. Serious poisoning is highly unlikely unless you consume a large quantity of pits.

Quantifying the Risk of Consumption

To put things into perspective, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has determined that a 150-pound individual can safely consume up to 703 milligrams of hydrogen cyanide per day before experiencing any ill effects. A single raw peach seed contains around 204 milligrams of hydrogen cyanide, and a single plum pit contains roughly 9 milligrams of cyanide. Thus, even if some cyanide does mix with the fruit, the quantities involved are minimal and unlikely to cause significant harm.

Personal Experiences and Safety Precautions

Many individuals, including the author, often break the stones of apricots and plums and eat the seeds without adverse effects. While it is generally safe to consume a small number of plum seeds in moderation, consuming large quantities should be avoided. The NIH suggests that a small dog would need to consume dozens of plum pits to reach a potentially harmful level of cyanide.

Conclusion

In summary, the pit of a single plum is not going to kill you. The risks associated with consuming a small amount of cyanogenic substances in plum pits are minimal. Enjoy your plums with peace of mind, knowing that the risks are well understood and manageable.

References

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