What Does Brewer's Yeast Do for the Body? Benefits and Uses

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

Derived as a byproduct of beer brewing, the single-celled fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or brewer's yeast, is now a widely used dietary supplement. So, what does brewer's yeast do for the body and why has it become so popular for health-conscious individuals?

Quick Summary

Brewer's yeast is a nutritional powerhouse packed with B vitamins, chromium, and protein, offering significant support for digestive health, energy metabolism, and immune function. It is a popular supplement for those seeking natural health benefits.

Key Points

Rich Nutrient Source: Brewer's yeast is packed with B-complex vitamins (excluding B12), essential amino acids, and key minerals like chromium and selenium.
Supports Digestive Health: As a probiotic, active brewer's yeast can aid in managing diarrhea and alleviating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Helps Regulate Blood Sugar: The bioavailable chromium in brewer's yeast, known as GTF, can enhance insulin sensitivity and potentially lower blood glucose levels.
Boosts Immune Function: Rich in beta-glucans, it can help modulate the immune system and has shown promise in reducing the severity of respiratory infections.
Provides Energy: The B vitamins play a critical role in energy metabolism, helping the body convert food into usable energy and combating fatigue.
Beneficial for Skin, Hair, and Nails: The concentration of B vitamins and minerals like zinc supports the health and appearance of skin, hair, and nails.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

Brewer's yeast, a form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is celebrated for its dense nutritional profile. As a supplement, it is typically sold in an inactive, dried form, though active versions are also available. Its key nutritional strengths lie in its high concentration of B-complex vitamins, a complete range of amino acids, and the trace mineral chromium in a bioavailable form.

Key Nutrients Found in Brewer's Yeast

B-complex vitamins: A rich source of Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), and Folic acid (B9). These are crucial for converting food into energy and maintaining nervous system health. It is important to note that brewer's yeast does not naturally contain vitamin B12.
Chromium: One of the best natural sources of the trace mineral chromium, in a form known as Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). GTF helps the body use insulin more effectively.
Protein: Contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, which is particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans.
Other Minerals: Provides a variety of other minerals including selenium, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

The Role of Brewer's Yeast in Digestion and Gut Health

For those seeking digestive support, brewer's yeast can be particularly helpful. The active (live) form contains beneficial microflora that aid in maintaining proper gut function and balancing intestinal flora. Inactive yeast, while not probiotic, still contains fiber like beta-glucan, which promotes healthy digestion.

Manages Diarrhea: Studies show that active brewer's yeast can help prevent and treat diarrhea, including that caused by antibiotics or travel.
Alleviates IBS Symptoms: A meta-analysis in 2017 found that brewer's yeast was more effective at relieving symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as abdominal pain and gas, than a placebo.
Supports Gut Microbiota: The presence of probiotics in active yeast helps to maintain a balanced and healthy gut environment, improving overall intestinal health.

Blood Sugar Regulation

One of the most researched benefits of brewer's yeast is its potential effect on blood sugar. The high concentration of chromium, specifically GTF, enhances the body's response to insulin.

Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Chromium helps to increase insulin activity, which can lead to better regulation of blood sugar levels. This is particularly relevant for individuals with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
Reduces Glucose Levels: Studies have demonstrated that brewer's yeast supplementation can lead to a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Note: Individuals with diabetes should consult their doctor before taking brewer's yeast, as it may interact with blood sugar-lowering medications.

Immune System and Energy Enhancement

Brewer's yeast has immune-enhancing properties that can help fortify the body's natural defenses.

Beta-glucan: The cell walls of yeast contain beta-glucan fiber, a compound known for its immune-modulating effects. Research suggests it may reduce the incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract infections, like the common cold and flu.
Combatting Fatigue: With its rich supply of B-vitamins, brewer's yeast supports energy-yielding metabolism, helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue. The complete proteins also contribute to sustained energy levels and can support muscle mass.

Comparison: Brewer's Yeast vs. Nutritional Yeast

While both come from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae species, they are processed differently, leading to key differences in taste and nutritional content.


Feature	Brewer's Yeast	Nutritional Yeast
Source	Byproduct of beer brewing, or grown specifically for supplementation.	Cultivated and processed specifically for food purposes.
Taste	Often described as bitter or tangy.	Cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor.
Processing	Inactivated through heat; retains its natural nutritional profile.	Inactivated with heat and dried; often fortified with synthetic vitamins.
Chromium	A particularly rich source of naturally occurring chromium (GTF).	Usually not a significant source of chromium, unless fortified.
Vitamin B12	Does not naturally contain vitamin B12.	Almost always fortified with vitamin B12, making it a primary vegan source.
Probiotic	Available in both active (probiotic) and inactive forms.	Always inactive, therefore not a probiotic.

How to Incorporate and Risks to Consider

Brewer's yeast can be easily added to the diet. Powdered or flaked forms can be mixed into smoothies, sprinkled on cereals, or added to sauces. For those who dislike the bitter taste, tablets or capsules are widely available. It is generally considered safe for most people in the short term, but some mild side effects can occur.

Potential Side Effects:

Gas, bloating, and stomach discomfort.
Headaches.
Possible allergic reactions (hives, breathing difficulties) in yeast-sensitive individuals.

Drug Interactions:

MAOIs: Should be avoided by individuals taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression due to its high tyramine content, which can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
Diabetes Medications: Because it can lower blood sugar, caution is advised for those on diabetes medication to prevent hypoglycemia.

Contraindications:

Crohn's Disease: Some evidence suggests it may worsen symptoms.
Weakened Immune System: May increase the risk of blood infections in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Conclusion

Brewer's yeast is a potent and versatile supplement that provides the body with a robust blend of B vitamins, protein, and bioavailable chromium. Its ability to support digestive health, regulate blood sugar, and enhance immune function makes it a valuable addition for many. However, due to potential drug interactions and side effects, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before beginning supplementation, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. For more detailed information on dosage and applications, reliable medical sources can be invaluable.

Medical News Today: Brewer's Yeast: Benefits, side effects, how to take it

Frequently Asked Questions

While both come from the same species of yeast, brewer's yeast is often a byproduct of beer making and is rich in naturally occurring chromium. Nutritional yeast is grown specifically for food, often fortified with synthetic vitamins (including B12), and has a cheesy flavor profile.

Brewer's yeast contains chromium, which can help lower blood sugar levels. However, because this can interact with diabetes medications and cause hypoglycemia, individuals with diabetes should only take it under the supervision of a doctor.

No, brewer's yeast does not naturally contain vitamin B12. It is a good source of other B-complex vitamins, but vegetarians and vegans should not rely on it for their B12 intake.

Common side effects include mild stomach upset, gas, bloating, and headaches. These can sometimes be minimized by starting with a small dose and increasing it gradually.

There is not enough reliable information to determine if brewer's yeast is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is best to avoid use and consult a healthcare provider.

Active brewer's yeast contains living microorganisms and acts as a probiotic, benefiting gut flora. Inactive brewer's yeast is heat-dried, meaning the yeast cells are dead, but it still retains its nutrient profile of vitamins, minerals, and protein.

The rich content of B vitamins, especially biotin, supports tissue regeneration and promotes the health of hair, skin, and nails. It can also regulate sebum secretion, which may help with acne.