Brewer's Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
Brewer's Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)
About
About
Brewer's yeast is a kind of yeast that is a by-product of brewing beer. Dietary supplements containing brewer's yeast often contain non-living, dried yeast. People use brewer's yeast to make medicine.
Brewer's yeast is taken by mouth for respiratory problems, including the common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections, influenza, seasonal allergies, and swine flu. Brewer's yeast is also taken by mouth for diarrhea, swelling of the colon (colitis) due to the bacteria Clostridium difficile, high cholesterol, loss of appetite, acne, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), recurring boils on the skin (furunculosis), and type 2 diabetes. It has also been used as a source of B vitamins, chromium, and protein.
How does it work?
Due to the chromium content of brewer's yeast, there is interest in using it for lowering blood glucose in people with diabetes. Chromium may help the body use insulin more effectively. This can lower blood sugar levels.
Additionally, brewer's yeast seems to stimulate chemicals (intestinal enzymes) that could help relieve diarrhea.
Brewer's yeast also might help fight bacteria that cause infections in the intestine, as well as improve the body's defenses against viral lung infections such as flu and the common cold.
Brewer's yeast is a source of B vitamins and protein.
Traditionally used for
Traditionally used for
Swelling of the colon (colitis) due to the bacteria Clostridium difficile. Diabetes.
High cholesterol.
The common flu (influenza).
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Acne.
Boils.
Diarrhea.
Loss of appetite.
Dosage
Dosage
The appropriate dose of brewer's yeast depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for brewer's yeast. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Possible Side Effects
Possible Side Effects
Brewer's yeast is SAFE for most people when taken by mouth short-term. A specific brewer's yeast product (EpiCor by Embria Health Sciences) has been safely used in doses of 500 mg daily for 12 weeks. In some people, brewer's yeast can cause headache, stomach discomfort, and gas (flatulence).
Not enough is known about the safety of long-term use of brewer's yeast. Stick with short-term use.
Special Precautions & Warnings
Special Precautions & Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking brewer's yeast by mouth if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Yeast allergy: People who are allergic or sensitive to yeast might experience itching and swelling.
Crohn's disease: Brewer's yeast can make Crohn's disease worse. Don't use brewer's yeast if you have Crohn's disease.
Diabetes: Taking brewer's yeast that contains chromium can lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and take medications to lower your blood sugar, adding brewer's yeast might make your blood sugar drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar carefully.