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Related Experiment Videos

Severe cyanide toxicity from 'vitamin supplements'.

Brian O'Brien1, Catherine Quigg, Tim Leong

  • 1Department of Anaesthesia, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Dublin, Ireland. drbobrien@hotmail.com

European Journal of Emergency Medicine : Official Journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
|September 22, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Alternative medicine use is rising. A patient experienced severe cyanide poisoning from amygdalin (vitamin B17), a purported cancer remedy, highlighting the dangers of unregulated supplements.

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Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Oncology
  • Integrative Medicine

Background:

  • Increasing use of alternative medicines and supplements necessitates vigilance regarding their safety and regulation.
  • Amygdalin, promoted as vitamin B17 and a cancer remedy, lacks scientific validation and poses significant health risks.
  • Unregulated supplements purchased online present potential dangers to unsuspecting patients.

Observation:

  • A 32-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer presented with unresponsiveness, shock, and fixed dilated pupils.
  • Her condition rapidly deteriorated, requiring mechanical ventilation and intensive supportive care, including inotropes and management of diabetes insipidus.
  • The patient had been self-medicating with internet-purchased 'vitamin supplements,' including amygdalin.

Findings:

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  • Amygdalin administration led to severe cyanide poisoning, evidenced by a markedly elevated serum thiocyanate level.
  • Despite the severity of poisoning, the patient demonstrated a full recovery within 8 hours solely through supportive therapy.
  • This case underscores the direct toxicity of amygdalin and its potential to cause life-threatening cyanide poisoning.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers must inquire about and educate patients on the risks associated with unproven alternative cancer therapies and unregulated supplements.
  • The case highlights the critical need for better regulation of supplements marketed for serious medical conditions.
  • Supportive care can be effective in managing acute cyanide poisoning from alternative medicine sources, but prevention through education and regulation is paramount.