Brewer's Yeast

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 7, 2025.

What are other common names?

• S. cerevisiae
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Baker's Yeast
• Betafectin
• Dried Yeast Fermentate
• EpiCor
• Fibercel
• Medicinal Yeast
• Yeast

What is this product used for?

Brewer's yeast is used by some people as a food supplement to give some B vitamins and other nutrients like chromium. It may help with sudden loose stools or diarrhea. This product may also help control blood sugar in people with blood sugar problems. Brewer’s yeast may help with symptoms related to infections in the nose and sinuses. Brewer’s yeast is a little bit different than Baker’s yeast.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

• Do not use this product if you have allergies to yeast.

• This product contains the amino acid tyramine. Do not use this product if you are taking drugs called MAO inhibitors. These are drugs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • An infection

  • Stomach problems, especially Crohn’s disease

  • Diabetes

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Stomach cramps

• Increased gas

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Very bad belly pain

• Very bad loose stools

Last Reviewed Date

2023-05-24

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