Brewer's Yeast

Description

Derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, brewer’s yeast was originally extracted from the top layer in beer vats. Brewer’s yeast is a rich source of important nutrients, including Niacin , Riboflavin , Pantothenic Acid, Thiamin , Pyridoxine, Folic Acid , para-amino benzoic acid (PABA), Biotin, Copper , Iron, and Amino Acids. It is not a complete source of B vitamins, as is commonly mistaken, for it does not contain vitamin B-12. Its nutritional content may vary due with different products and methods of storage. Brewer’s yeast may be a beneficial source of proteins for people following strict vegetarian diets.

Suggested Intakes

Tablets, 4-5 g daily.

Supplemental Uses

Nutritional supplement:
Brewer’s yeast is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, Amino Acids, and nucleic acids. However, less expensive products available today are favoured over brewer’s yeast. Combined with cereal grains, Brewer’s yeast can be a valuable supplement for vegetarians. Combinations of Brewer’s yeast with the following may provide complete protein requirements, depending on the specific content of a product: peanuts, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains, corn, and green leafy vegetables.

Atherosclerosis:
Studies have found Chromium -enriched Brewer’s yeast to be effective for improving HDL (good) to LDL(bad) cholesterol ratios (1)

Brewer’s yeast is also recommended as a treatment for loss of appetite, Acne, and acute Diarrhoea (2).

Safety

Brewer’s yeast is regarded as generally non-toxic.

Some individuals may experience Migraine Headaches if they are sensitive to brewer’s yeast.

Interactions and Contra-Indications

There are no known drug interactions or contra-indications for brewer’s yeast.

References

1. Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
2. Schellenberg, D et al: Treatment of Clostridium difficile Diarrhoea with brewer’s yeast. Lancet. 1994 Jan 15; 343(8890):171-2.