Will apple seeds poison my child?

Question

My three year old likes to eat apples. I prefer to slice them for her, but she likes to bite them from whole fruit. I'm worried that she'll eat the seeds. Aren't they poisonous? Isn't sionide made from apple seeds? Or am I worrying for no reason?

Answer 1

Actually, apple seeds (other fruits, too) contain a small amount of a chemical (amygdalin) that can be converted into a cyanide compound within the body.

HOWEVER, a person would have to consume hundreds of seeds (all at once), AND it would have to be under the right conditions. The seeds would have to be either pulverized, or chewed completely, to release the amygdalin. If you swallowed ten (or a hundred) intact apple seeds, the seeds would just pass through your system, undigested. Also, the human body can process small amounts of most toxins, including cyanide, with no ill effect.

Amygdalin is also present in (the seeds of) other fruits, and believe it or not, peaches have the most (probably because they have the biggest seeds). There's enough amygdalin in one peach pit to actually make a person sick...but you would have to be trying REALLY hard to chew up a peach pit!

Basically, your daughter can eat all the apples she likes.

Answer 2

Apple Seed Poison

Answer 3

Apple seeds do contain a compound known as amygdalin, which breaks down into hydrogen cyanide in the body.
However, there are two reasons not to worry about this: one, even a child would have to eat an enormous number of seeds to be in any danger. Two, most seeds will pass through the digestive system unless they are chewed up, as our bodies cannot digest that hard coating (think corn).
Some other facts: apricot kernels are much more likely to cause poisoning. Amygdalin is also found in pear seeds and the pits of peaches and plums. Lima beans also contain a substance that releases cyanide when digested (!)
There's no harm in continuing to slice the apples, however. She'll still get all the benefits of the apple, and you'll reduce the likelihood of an even bigger worry for little kids: choking.

Another note: cigarette smoke releases cyanide.

p.s. This was an excellent question, as I've always wondered about the truth to this.

Answer 4

No, you're right. I learned that in bio class. There are little concentrations of sionide in apple seeds. I mean if she eats a seed or two, no problem, but a cup of apple seeds can kill a person, that is an adult. Explain to her that apple seeds can make her very sick, and that if she bites into an apple she can't eat the seeds.

Answer 5

Apple seeds are not poison. For a three year old though they are a little hard to digest. If you can't make her understand not to eat the seed, I would continue to slice them for her. You could make it fun by putting a little peanut butter on them giving her an extra protein boost.

Answer 6

The seeds ARE only poisonous in HIGH concentrations.

No amount your child could eat at once will ever poison her.

Rest assure she is in no danger by eating them.

: )

Answer 7

You are worrying for no reason. But it's wonderful to see you care so much for your child's wellbeing. Apple seeds are NOT POISONOUS and are not involved in any way to the production of any poisons. Chances are your little girl will learn to avoid eating any of the seeds since they are quite bitter.
(Also, don't worry that an apple tree will grow in her tummy if she swallows one)!!!!

Answer 8

no they are not poisonous that is an old wiives tale. Probably developed so kids would eat sliced apples and choke less often.

Answer 9

Awesome answers

Answer 10

My best friends kid swallowed an apple seed and didn't even get sick.