Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Related Terms

B vitamins, baker's yeast, chromium-rich brewer's yeast, Cr supplements, ergosterol, faex medicinalis, folate, folic acid, glucose tolerance factor (GTF), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases, glycoprotein gp200, high-chromium brewer's yeast, levure de bi?re (French), lithium, medicinal yeast, nicotinic acid, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, sterol, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6.

Background

Brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a yeast used to make beer. It has also been used as a dietary supplement, as it contains nutrients, including chromium, B-complex vitamins, and selenium.
Brewer's yeast may benefit people with diabetes. The yeast contains chromium, which is similar to insulin and may improve insulin sensitivity. Brewer's yeast may decrease blood sugar levels. However, further research is necessary in this area.
Brewer's yeast may increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). Brewer's yeast is rich in lithium, and preliminary evidence suggests that it may help improve mood in recovered drug users.
Brewer's yeast is different from baker's yeast and nutritional yeast, which are both low in chromium.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Brewer's yeast contains chromium, which may help lower blood sugar and improve sensitivity to insulin. However, there is not enough evidence to make a firm conclusion for or against the use of brewer's yeast in improving blood sugar control.

 C


Brewer's yeast contains chromium, which may help lower blood sugar and improve sensitivity to insulin. However, there is not enough evidence to make a firm conclusion for or against the use of brewer's yeast in improving blood sugar control.

 C


Preliminary evidence shows that brewer's yeast may increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). However, there is not enough evidence to make a conclusion for or against the use of brewer's yeast in improving cholesterol.

 C


Preliminary evidence shows that brewer's yeast may increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). However, there is not enough evidence to make a conclusion for or against the use of brewer's yeast in improving cholesterol.

 C


Brewer's yeast contains lithium, which may enhance mood in former drug users. However, more evidence is needed to make conclusions for or against the use of brewer's yeast as a mood enhancer.

 C


Brewer's yeast contains lithium, which may enhance mood in former drug users. However, more evidence is needed to make conclusions for or against the use of brewer's yeast as a mood enhancer.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Daily supplementation with six grams of brewer's yeast has been used.
To improve blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, 5-30 grams of brewer's yeast has been used for 8-10 weeks.
To improve cholesterol, 5-20 grams of brewer's yeast has been used for 8-12 weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Brewer's yeast contains large amounts of tyramine. Tyramine-containing foods may cause dangerously high blood pressure when taken at the same time as agents that have properties similar to monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs (MAOIs). These include protein foods that have been aged or preserved. Specific examples of foods are anchovies; avocados; bananas; bean curd; beer (alcohol-free or reduced-alcohol); caffeine (large amounts); caviar; champagne; cheeses (particularly aged; processed; or strong varieties); chocolate; dry sausage, salami, or bologna; fava beans; figs; herring (pickled); liver (particularly chicken); meat tenderizers; papaya; protein extracts or powder; raisins; shrimp paste; sour cream; soy sauce; wine (particularly chianti); yeast extracts; and yogurt.
Brewer's yeast may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary
Brewer's yeast may also interact with agents that affect the immune system, alcohol, anticancer agents, antidepressants, antifungal agents, cholesterol-lowering drugs, chromium, lithium, and vitamin D.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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