Apple seeds, cherry pits, and seeds from related fruits, including peaches, plums, almonds, pears, and apricots, contain cyanogenic glycosides. There is nothing to worry if one swallows a few, the body can absorb a small amount of toxins that one would find in a cherry pit or a couple of apple seeds. Swallowing a few of these seeds is harmless. However, chewing the seeds makes them much more hazardous to our health. Children and pets are much more likely to suffer poisoning from eating the seeds than adults.
Symptoms of mild poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, and vomiting. Larger doses can lead to difficulty breathing, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and kidney failure. Reactions can include coma, convulsions, and death from respiratory arrest. So one should try and limit the absorption of the chemicals from the seeds. If a child or pet is known to have eaten several seeds it's important to seek immediate medical attention.
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