Swallowing a whole pit is generally safe, but chewing or crushing releases amygdalin, which converts to toxic cyanide in the body.
Intact pits pass through the digestive tract largely undigested.
Chewing or crushing pits releases amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside.
Cyanide poisoning is rare but possible if many crushed pits are consumed.
Children and pets are at higher risk due to smaller body weight.
Plum pits contain amygdalin, a compound that converts to hydrogen cyanide when metabolized. The hard shell of the pit protects the seed inside; swallowing a whole pit accidentally usually results in it passing through the system intact without releasing significant toxins. However, biting, crushing, or blending the pits breaks the shell and releases the amygdalin. While a single crushed pit contains a relatively small amount of cyanide unlikely to harm an adult, consuming multiple crushed pits poses a toxicity risk. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Always remove pits before cooking, blending, or giving fruit to children or pets.
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