Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Benefits of Brewer's Yeast?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

Brewer’s yeast, which is naturally created when brewing beer, is rich in vitamins and minerals and can provide numerous benefits to the human body. It can be an excellent source of several B vitamins, making it valuable as a supplement for those who do not consume meat, and it may be able to aid in weight loss. The unique combination of vitamins and minerals can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and it can potentially lower blood sugar and cholesterol.

People typically obtain B vitamins from protein sources such as beef, poultry, and fish, and those who do not consume these foods may develop a deficiency. One of the many benefits of brewer’s yeast is that it contains concentrated doses of almost all of these vitamins, excluding B12, which are necessary for creating red blood cells and converting food into energy. This natural supplement makes it significantly easier for those who cannot or do not want to consume animal products to still get these essential vitamins.

Brewer's yeast.
Brewer's yeast.

For some, one of the benefits of brewer’s yeast may be weight loss or management, either directly or indirectly. In addition to B vitamins, this substance contains chromium, which may help to reduce the amount of fat that a body stores, especially when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. The amount of protein in this supplement is also considered to be one of the benefits of brewer’s yeast, as protein can help a person to retain muscle mass when in a caloric deficit and can make a person feel fuller for longer, limiting the urge to overeat.

The combination of nutrients in brewer's yeast may help ease some symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
The combination of nutrients in brewer's yeast may help ease some symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.

One of many potential benefits of brewer’s yeast is its ability to reduce the symptoms of PMS. Specific blends of brewer’s yeast and other vitamins and minerals are often sold as PMS supplements, and may help to diminish feelings of fatigue, bloating, and mild cramping for some women. This benefit of brewer’s yeast is usually most apparent when it is taken about a week before PMS symptoms occur.

Brewer’s yeast helps to reduce blood sugar, which can be beneficial for diabetics.
Brewer’s yeast helps to reduce blood sugar, which can be beneficial for diabetics.

It is also possible that brewer’s yeast can help to reduce blood sugar, which can be beneficial for diabetics, and it may also aid in the reduction of cholesterol. Chromium, which is in high concentration in this supplement, can potentially increase the amount of insulin that a person’s body generates, which can aid in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. As a result, a person may need a lesser amount of insulin. In addition to these benefits of brewer’s yeast, it is also possible that the chromium found naturally in this supplement can lower unhealthy cholesterol, which may result in better cardiovascular and overall health in people with cholesterol issues.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

I'm using brewer's yeast tablets. It's not for anything specific though. I've been stressed and tired lately due to work and I haven't been eating too great. So I though that these may help out and they do. I do feel better and more energetic since I started taking them.

The only thing is that since brewer's yeast doesn't have vitamin B12, I also take a vitamin B12 supplement to make sure that I get enough of it. Brewer's yeast is great but it shouldn't be thought of as a comprehensive multi-vitamin.

burcinc

@SteamLouis-- Yes, absolutely. I've used brewer's yeast when I was breastfeeding and my sister is using it right now. It worked for me then and it's also working for her now.

Brewer's yeast for lactation has actually been well known for a long time. Lots of women use it. I used debittered brewer's yeast powder and it worked just fine. It doesn't taste too great, but I would make lactation cookies with them which tasted okay. The flavor may taste strange to you but when you see the increase in your milk supply, you will know that it's worth it. You could also mix the powder in things like oatmeal and juice. So you can try different things and see what works best. I think majority of women make lactation cookies with them though.

SteamLouis

I've heard that brewer's yeast can help with lactation. Is this true?

I'm looking for natural supplements to increase my breast milk. I don't have enough and I'm having to also give my daughter formula. If brewer's yeast really works for this, I'll definitely give it a try. Has anyone here used it for this purpose and got good results?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Brewer's yeast.
      By: Stephanie Frey
      Brewer's yeast.
    • The combination of nutrients in brewer's yeast may help ease some symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
      By: lukasmajercik
      The combination of nutrients in brewer's yeast may help ease some symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
    • Brewer’s yeast helps to reduce blood sugar, which can be beneficial for diabetics.
      By: spline_x
      Brewer’s yeast helps to reduce blood sugar, which can be beneficial for diabetics.
    • Brewer's yeast can help to reduce bloating that's caused by PMS.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      Brewer's yeast can help to reduce bloating that's caused by PMS.
    • Brewer's yeast is used in the brewing of beer.
      By: Roman Sigaev
      Brewer's yeast is used in the brewing of beer.
    • Brewer's yeast may help reduce feelings of fatigue.
      By: Igor Normann
      Brewer's yeast may help reduce feelings of fatigue.
    • Brewer's yeast may help limit the urge to overeat.
      By: Simone van den Berg
      Brewer's yeast may help limit the urge to overeat.