Cyanogenic foods release hydrogen cyanide upon contact with stomach acid. Which mechanism describes this release?

• A. Releasing hydrogen cyanide on contact with stomach acid
• B. Interfering with utilization of Iodine
• C. Mimicking mineralocorticosteroids
• D. Interfering with oxidation of fatty acids

Answer: (A)

The mechanism is hydrolysis of cyanogenic glycosides by gastric acid, releasing hydrogen cyanide. Cyanogenic foods contain glycosides that stay inactive until damaged and exposed to stomach acid, where acid (and related enzymes) cleave the glycoside to produce HCN. Once released, hydrogen cyanide can be absorbed and potentially disrupt cellular respiration. The other ideas describe unrelated processes—iodine utilization, hormone mimicry, or fatty acid oxidation interference—not the liberation of hydrogen cyanide from these foods.