Conjoint use of laetrile and megadoses of ascorbic acid in cancer treatment: possible side effects.

Individuals who have a reduced capacity to detoxify cyanide to thiocyanate are at increased risk to experience adverse side effects from laetrile, a cyanide containing substance used in cancer treatment. Since megadoses of ascorbic acid may markedly diminish body stores of cysteine, a sulfur containing amino acid which facilitates the detoxification of cyanide, it is predicted that persons consuming megadoses of ascorbic acid will be at increased risk to experience the adverse side effects from laetrile treatment.