How many apricots can you eat per day at most?

Sep 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
There is no strict rule about the maximum number of apricots one can eat per day. Healthy adults should limit their intake to no more than 5–6 apricots daily, while children, elderly individuals, and those with weak digestive systems should consume fewer—ideally limited to 2–3 apricots. In daily diets, apricots should be included as part of a varied fruit intake, combined with other fruits to ensure balanced nutrition, avoid excessive consumption of any single fruit, and support gastrointestinal health.

Generally speaking, there is no strict rule about "how many apricots one can eat per day." For healthy adults, it is advisable not to consume more than 5–6 apricots a day. Children, elderly individuals, and those with weak digestive systems should reduce their intake appropriately, limiting consumption to 2–3 apricots. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Apricots are rich in fruit acids, sugars, and dietary fiber. Eating them in moderation helps supplement vitamins and minerals and promotes digestion. However, excessive consumption may lead to fruit acids irritating the gastric mucosa, potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort such as acid reflux and bloating. Additionally, apricots contain amygdalin; excessive intake may result in its conversion into toxic substances in the body, increasing metabolic burden. Healthy adults with good gastrointestinal function can obtain adequate nutrition while avoiding discomfort by consuming around 5–6 apricots.

Children have immature digestive systems, and older adults often experience weakened gastrointestinal function. Excessive apricot consumption makes them more prone to indigestion, diarrhea, and other issues, so their intake should be reduced. Moreover, apricots should not be eaten on an empty stomach to avoid stronger irritation from fruit acids to the gastric lining. It is also recommended to choose fully ripe apricots to minimize bodily irritation.

In daily diets, apricots should be included as part of a diverse fruit intake. Combining them with other fruits ensures balanced nutrition, prevents overconsumption of any single fruit, and supports overall gastrointestinal health.