The benefits and harms of brewer's yeast: should you take it?

Indications for use

Indications for use:

• hypovitaminosis group B;
• skin diseases (including dermatoses of neurogenic origin , angular stomatitis , furunculosis , skin abscess , carbuncles , eczema , juvenile acne, psoriasis , acne );
• dysbacteriosis;
• neuralgia;
• polyneuritis;
• anemia;
• diabetes;
• long-term exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals;
• alcoholism;
• the presence of risk factors for the development of heart and vascular diseases;
• unbalanced diet;
• metabolic disorders;
• recovery after illness.

Brewer's yeast is not a strong allergen and the occurrence of an allergic reaction to it is quite rare. Manifestations of an allergic reaction may include dysfunction of the digestive system (cheilitis, gastritis, colitis, gastroenteritis), skin manifestations (atopic dermatitis, urticaria, Quincke's edema) and, less commonly, dysfunction of the respiratory system (allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma).

Synonyms Russian

Specific immunoglobulins class E for brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

English synonyms

Allergen f403 – Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), IgE; Brewer's yeast, IgE; Baker's yeast, IgE Ab in Serum.

Research method

Chemiluminescent immunoassay.

Units

IU/ml (international unit per milliliter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

• Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General information about the study

The yeast Saccharomyce cerevisiae is a unicellular fungus widely used in baking and brewing. For both industrial processes, mushrooms of the same species are used, but of different strains, which do not differ in allergenic properties. Yeast actively ferments sugars in the substrate, releasing carbon dioxide and ethanol. Yeast cells can be found not only in food, but also in the air and dust. Yeast can act as hidden allergens in mayonnaise, ketchup, processed foods, vitamin and mineral supplements. They are used to produce food flavors (especially in smoked meats) and enzymes (for example, to reduce lactose in milk). A widely known drug contains a strain of yeast Saccharomyces boullardii, used to treat certain intestinal diseases, as well as a dietary supplement in tablet form “Brewer's Yeast”, which is prescribed to compensate for the deficiency of B vitamins.

Among the allergenic proteins of brewer's yeast are enolase, profilin and other enzymes. The thermostable and water-soluble glycoprotein gp200, isolated from the cell wall of S. cerevisiae, may have pathogenetic significance in the mechanisms of development of Crohn's disease. Cross-reactivity of enolase and other enzymes of baker's and brewer's yeast with fungi of the genera Candida, Pityrosporum, as well as molds is observed.

Those sensitized to S. cerevisiae may experience allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, and even hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Perhaps, along with flour and other components used in the bakery industry, yeast plays a role in the development of an occupational disease - bronchial asthma of bakers.

S. cerevisiae fungi cause exacerbations of atopic dermatitis (AD) in sensitized individuals. According to the results of one examination, in patients with severe AD, skin prick tests with brewer's yeast were positive in 96% of cases, in patients with moderate AD – in 76%, in patients with mild AD – in 25%. Cases of acute generalized urticaria after eating fresh baked goods have been described, as well as the disappearance of chronic recurrent urticaria after eliminating yeast-containing foods from the diet.

What is the research used for?

• Diagnosis of allergy to brewer's yeast;
• diagnosis of the causes of allergic diseases and their exacerbations.

When is the study scheduled?

• If you suspect sensitization to brewer's yeast;
• when symptoms of atopic dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema, bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal disorders and other manifestations of allergic diseases appear after consuming yeast-containing products (for example, beer, baked goods).

What do the results mean?

Reference values: 0.00 - 0.10 IU/ml.

Reasons for the increased result:

• sensitization to brewer's yeast.

Reasons for negative results:

• lack of sensitization to this allergen;
• long-term restriction or exclusion of contact with the allergen.

Composition and calorie content of brewer's yeast

Calories 387 Kcal

• Fat:
  2 g
• Proteins:
  53 g
• Carbohydrates:
  30 g
• Water:
  7 g
• Ash:
  8 g

Table: what vitamins and minerals are contained in brewer's yeast (100 g)?

In addition to B vitamins and minerals, brewer's yeast contains:

• Probiotics.
• Prebiotics: Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), beta-glucans. Beta-glucans have anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties.
• Nucleotides: DNA and RNA (nucleic acids - 26.1%)
• Nicotinamide riboside.
• Ergosterol. This substance acts as an anti-estrogen, and therefore can suppress breast cancer.

Of particular interest to scientists are components such as DNA and RNA nucleotides, beta-glucans and nicotinamide riboside. There is evidence that nucleotides obtained by humans from food not only provide cells with energy potential, but also have a positive effect on mental abilities.

Brewer's yeast

Brewer's yeast for weight gain and weight loss

The advisability of using Brewer's yeast for weight loss and weight gain is due to the fact that under the influence of this product the body is cleansed and the functioning of all its organs is improved, the energy supply of cells is replenished, the functioning of the endocrine gland and digestion are improved, the process of absorption of nutrients is accelerated and, in particular, proteins, and the process of burning fats.

The main cause of low or overweight is metabolic disorders. By gently correcting it, Saccharomyces thus allows some people to compensate for their weight deficit, and others to get rid of a certain amount of extra pounds.

There is an opinion that the product can be used for breast growth, but there is no evidence of its effectiveness or, on the contrary, ineffectiveness.

Which ones to choose and where to buy?

Brewer's yeast can be purchased in three types:

• Liquid (live). They are released at breweries. This is the most active additive, but it has one significant drawback - it is stored for no more than 8 hours at room temperature, and no more than a day in the refrigerator (while maintaining a temperature of +7...+10 degrees). Contraindications to their use are fungal infections (thrush), intestinal dysbiosis.
• Dry (powder or granules). They can be purchased at the pharmacy. The shelf life of this form is much longer than that of the liquid form.
• Tablets. There are dietary supplements on sale in their pure form and with various additives, for example, minerals and vitamins.

The composition of the drugs varies depending on the manufacturer, so before purchasing you need to carefully study the composition. If desired, you can find brewer's yeast in its pure form. Such preparations do not contain sugar, flavorings or other additives. If the yeast is enriched with auxiliary elements, then the packaging should contain information about the daily dose of all substances included in the composition.

You can purchase brewer's yeast on the Internet, in pharmacies, in stores that sell dietary supplements and in healthy food departments.

Harm from brewer's yeast

Brewer's yeast is not recommended for use in case of diseases of the stomach, intestines and kidneys, as well as in case of serious metabolic disorders - gout, diabetes, etc. There are cases of individual intolerance to yeast, which are expressed in digestive disorders, diarrhea and bloating. In addition, yeast is a known allergen. Elderly people and young children should take yeast with caution.

Brewer's yeast tablets