Nutritional Supplement

Brewer’s Yeast

Also indexed as:Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Yeast (Brewer’s)

  • Blood Sugar and Diabetes Support

    Type 2 Diabetes

    Chromium-rich brewer’s yeast has been shown to be useful in treating type 2 diabetes in several ways, including by improving blood glucose control.
    Type 2 Diabetes
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    The first report on the blood glucose-lowering effects of brewer’s yeast emerged in 1958.1 Brewer’s yeast is a source of dietary chromium and low chromium levels have been associated with higher blood glucose, insulin, and inflammatory marker levels, as well as higher blood pressure and greater insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.2 Preliminary and placebo-controlled research has indicated brewer’s yeast, in doses from 1.8–9 grams (providing up to 42 micrograms of chromium) per day may reduce blood glucose, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol levels, and increase HDL-cholesterol levels.3,4,1 One study compared brewer’s yeast providing 23.3 mcg of chromium per day to 200 mcg of chromium chloride per day in people with type 2 diabetes and found more favorable effects from the yeast, suggesting chromium in yeast may be more bioavailable.6 Taking chromium-enriched yeast supplements has also been found to improve glucose metabolism in subjects with type 2 diabetes.7 In a twelve-week trial, eating whole wheat bread made with chromium-enriched yeast was noted to improve glycemic control, body weight, and blood pressure compared to regular whole wheat bread in people with type 2 diabetes.8

  • Immune System Support

    Infectious Diarrhea

    Supplementing with brewer’s yeast has been shown to improve immune function and change the flora living in the intestine, and may relieve infectious diarrhea.
    Infectious Diarrhea
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    Brewer’s yeast supplementation has been shown to alter immune function and the flora living in the intestine, and may relieve infectious diarrhea. Three capsules or tablets of brewer’s yeast three times per day for two weeks was reported to improve three cases of infectious diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile.8 Animal research has confirmed that brewer’s yeast helps fight this unfriendly bacterium.9 (Note that real brewer’s yeast is not identical to nutritional, or torula, yeast and that when asking for “brewer’s yeast” in health food stores, people are often directed toward these other products. Real brewer’s yeast is bitter, whereas other health food store yeasts have a more pleasant taste.)
What Are Star Ratings?
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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References

1. Hosseinzadeh P, Javanbakht M, Mostafavi S, et al. Brewer's Yeast Improves Glycemic Indices in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Prev Med 2013;4:1131–8.

2. Ngala R, Awe M, Nsiah P. The effects of plasma chromium on lipid profile, glucose metabolism and cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus. A case - control study. PLoS One 2018;13:e0197977.

3. Khosravi-Boroujeni H, Rostami A, Ravanshad S, Esmaillzadeh A. Favorable effects on metabolic risk factors with daily brewer's yeast in type 2 diabetic patients with hypercholesterolemia: a semi-experimental study. J Diabetes 2012;4:153–8.

4. Sharma S, Agrawal RP, Choudhary M, et al. Beneficial effect of chromium supplementation on glucose, HbA1C and lipid variables in individuals with newly onset type-2 diabetes. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2011;25:149–53.

5. Bahijiri S, Mira S, Mufti A, Ajabnoor M. The effects of inorganic chromium and brewer's yeast supplementation on glucose tolerance, serum lipids and drug dosage in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Saudi Med J 2000;21:831–7.

6. Racek J, Sindberg C, Moesgaard S, et al. Effect of chromium-enriched yeast on fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin and serum lipid levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin. Biol Trace Elem Res 2013;155:1–4.

7. Yanni A, Stamataki N, Konstantopoulos P, et al. Controlling type-2 diabetes by inclusion of Cr-enriched yeast bread in the daily dietary pattern: a randomized clinical trial. Eur J Nutr 2018;57:259–67.

8. Schellenberg D, Bonington A, Champion CM, et al. Treatment of Clostridium difficile diarrhoea with brewer's yeast. Lancet 1994;343:171-2.

9. Izadnia F, Wong CT, Kocoshis SA. Brewer's yeast and Saccharomyces boulardii both attenuate Clostridium difficile-induced colonic secretion in the rat. Dig Dis Sci 1998;43:2055-60.

10. Bassetti S, Frei R, Zimmerli W. Fungemia with Saccharomyces cerevisiae after treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii. Am J Med 1998;105:71-2.

Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

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