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Brewer's Yeast - Some Benefits on Usage of Brewer's Yeast
Common Trade Names
None known.
Common Forms
Available in liquid, powder, and tablets (650 mg).
Source
Brewer's yeast is recovered after being used in the beer-brewing process. Chemical components
Brewer's yeast is a rich source of vitamins (especially B complex), protein, minerals (particularly chromium), glucans, and mannans.
Actions
Brewer's yeast has been used to improve glucose tolerance in diabetic patients because of its high chromium content. Chromium is thought to increase insulin release, but this is controversial.
Medicinal yeast has also shown benefit to those suffering from such GI maladies as flatulence and diarrhea. In one study, brewer's yeast helped to facilitate the treatment of persistent Clostridium difficile, and in another study, it was used to treat enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli . Brewer's yeast also reduced water and electrolyte influx into the intestines stimulated by the Vibrio cholerae toxin. The Success of brewer's yeast in the treatment of infectious diarrhea appears to be due to its ability to reestablish normal balances of the intestinal flora by increasing the activity of disaccharidases, saccharidases, maltase, and lactase.
There have been some reports of brewer's yeast's ability to modulate the immune system by stimulating phagocytosis, but evidence to support these claims is insufficient.
Reported Uses
Brewer's yeast has been used in the treatment of GI maladies, including dysbiosis, infectious diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Some people use this supplement for its vitamin and mineral content to treat acne and contact dermatitis.
Dosages
For the chromium content, some sources recommend 1 or 2 tbsp of the powder P.O. t.i.d. This dosage provides about 360 mcg of chromium per day (RDA is 50 to 200 mcg/day). The average daily dose of brewer's yeast is 6 g.
Adverse Reactions
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CNS: migrainelike headaches in sensitive people (allergy related).
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GI: flatulence, intestinal discomfort.
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Skin: allergic reactions.
Interactions
MAO inhibitors: May increase blood pressure. Avoid administration with brewer's yeast.
Contraindications And Precautions
Brewer's yeast is contraindicated in immunosuppressed patients.
Special Considerations
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Alert Caution the patient not to confuse brewer's yeast with baker's yeast.
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Caution the patient not to self-treat symptoms of GI illnesses or dermatitis before receiving appropriate medical evaluation because this may delay diagnosis of a serious medical condition.
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Advise the patient to consult a health care provider before using any alternative medication because a treatment that has been clinically researched and proved effective may be available.
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Monitor the patient for severe headaches.
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Urge the diabetic patient to closely monitor blood glucose levels while taking brewer's yeast.
Commentary
Brewer's yeast appears to be a reasonable source of vitamins and minerals. It may be an alternative product for people who have difficulty swallowing drugs because it is typically sprinkled on foods. The use of brewer's yeast for its ability to stimulate the immune system warrants further research before any recommendations can be made.
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