Brewer’s Yeast - Interactions

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Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast is the dried, pulverized cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of fungus, and is a rich source of B-complex vitamins, protein (providing all essential amino acids), and minerals, including a biologically active form of chromium known as glucose tolerance factor (GTF). Brewer’s yeast is usually a by-product of the brewing industry and should not be confused with nutritional yeast or torula yeast, which are low in chromium.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:


Used for AmountWhy
Type 2 Diabetes
9 grams per day3 stars Chromium-rich brewer’s yeast has been shown to be useful in treating type 2 diabetes in several ways, including by improving glucose tolerance.

3 stars Type 2 Diabetes

9 grams per day

Medical reports dating back to 1853, as well as modern research, indicate that chromium-rich brewer’s yeast (9 grams per day) can be useful in treating type 2 diabetes.1 , 2 In recent years, chromium has been shown to improve glucose levels and related variables in people with glucose intolerance and type 2, gestational, and steroid-induced diabetes.3 , 4 Improved glucose tolerance with lower or similar levels of insulin have been reported in more than ten trials of chromium supplementation in people with varying degrees of glucose intolerance.5 Chromium supplements improve glucose tolerance in people with type 2 diabetes,6 apparently by increasing sensitivity to insulin.7 Chromium improves the processing of glucose in people with prediabetic glucose intolerance and in women with diabetes associated with pregnancy.8 , 9 Chromium even helps healthy people,10 although one such report found chromium useful only when accompanied by 100 mg of niacin per day.11 Chromium may also lower levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (risk factors in heart disease).12 , 13

A few trials have reported no beneficial effects from chromium supplementation.14 , 15 , 16 All of these trials used 200 mcg or less of supplemental chromium, which is often not adequate for people with diabetes, especially if it is in a form that is poorly absorbed. The typical amount of chromium used in research trials is 200 mcg per day, although as much as 1,000 mcg per day has been used.17 Many doctors recommend up to 1,000 mcg per day for people with diabetes.18

Supplementation with chromium or brewer’s yeast could potentially enhance the effects of drugs used for diabetes (e.g., insulin or other blood sugar-lowering agents) and possibly lead to hypoglycemia. Therefore, people with diabetes taking these medications should supplement with chromium or brewer’s yeast only under the supervision of a doctor.


Used for AmountWhy
Infectious Diarrhea
Three capsulesor tablets three times per day2 stars Supplementing with brewer’s yeast has been shown to improve immune function and change the flora living in the intestine, and may relieve infectious diarrhea.

2 stars Infectious Diarrhea

Three capsulesor tablets three times per day

Brewer’s yeast supplementation has been shown to alter immune function and the flora living in the intestine, and may relieve infectious diarrhea. Three capsules or tablets of brewer’s yeast three times per day for two weeks was reported to improve three cases of infectious diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile.19 Animal research has confirmed that brewer’s yeast helps fight this unfriendly bacterium.20 (Note that real brewer’s yeast is not identical to nutritional, or torula, yeast and that when asking for “brewer’s yeast” in health food stores, people are often directed toward these other products. Real brewer’s yeast is bitter, whereas other health food store yeasts have a more pleasant taste.)
Also indexed as:
  • adult diabetes,
  • adult onset diabetes,
  • adult onset diabetes mellitus,
  • AODM,
  • brewer's yeast,
  • cholesterol,
  • diabetes,
  • diabetes mellitus,
  • diabetes sacarina,
  • DM,
  • DM (diabetes mellitus),
  • DM type 2,
  • elevated cholesterol,
  • elevated cholesterol levels,
  • high blood cholesterol,
  • high cholesterol,
  • hypercholesterolemia,
  • NIDDM,
  • non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus,
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
  • type 2 diabetes,
  • type II diabetes,
  • type II diabetes mellitus
Alternative Treatments

About this treatment

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

Because it contains a highly biologically active form of chromium, supplementation with brewer’s yeast could potentially enhance the effects of drugs for diabetes (e.g., insulin or other blood sugar-lowering agents) and possibly lead to hypoglycemia. Therefore, people with diabetes taking these medications should supplement with chromium or brewer’s yeast only under the supervision of a doctor.

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

May Be Beneficial:Some medicines may increase the need for this supplement.
Avoid:Some medicines interact with this supplement, so they should not be taken together.
Check: Some interactions between this supplement and certain medicines require more explanation. Click the link to see details.

Note: The following list only includes the generic or class name of a medicine. To find a specific brand name, use the Medicines Index.

May Be Beneficial:Amoxicillin
May Be Beneficial:Amoxicillin–Potassium Clavulanate
May Be Beneficial:Ampicillin
May Be Beneficial:Azithromycin
May Be Beneficial:Ciprofloxacin
May Be Beneficial:Clarithromycin
May Be Beneficial:Clindamycin
May Be Beneficial:Dapsone
May Be Beneficial:Dicloxacillin
May Be Beneficial:Doxycycline
May Be Beneficial:Erythromycin
May Be Beneficial:Gentamicin
May Be Beneficial:Levofloxacin
May Be Beneficial:Loracarbef
May Be Beneficial:Minocycline
May Be Beneficial:Neomycin
May Be Beneficial:Nitrofurantoin
May Be Beneficial:Ofloxacin
May Be Beneficial:Penicillin V
May Be Beneficial:Sulfamethoxazole
May Be Beneficial:Sulfasalazine
May Be Beneficial:Tetracycline
May Be Beneficial:Tobramycin
May Be Beneficial:Trimethoprim
May Be Beneficial:Trimethoprim/ Sulfamethoxazole

Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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