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Brewer's Yeast
  • Natural Products (Consumer)

Brewer's Yeast

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 10, 2021.

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. This product is not the same as 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; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

  • Very bad belly pain

  • Very bad loose stools

  • Very bad headache

Last Reviewed Date

2021-03-31

Consumer information use

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at