Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Nutritional Yeast
Also known as: Baker's yeast, Brewer's yeast, Nutritional yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Overview
*Saccharomyces cerevisiae* is a species of yeast known for its key roles in baking, brewing, and as a nutritional supplement. Naturally occurring on the skin of fruits and berries, it is cultivated for industrial usage. As a probiotic and prebiotic, it is rich in B vitamins, beta-glucan, and other essential nutrients, helping enhance milk production in ruminants and support gastrointestinal health. While research supports its efficacy in livestock, evidence concerning its human applications is limited. The yeast is available in live, dead (inactive), and fermented forms, each associated with different effects on the body. Overall, the extensive research on *S. cerevisiae* primarily pertains to animal studies, indicating its strong presence in agricultural applications.
Benefits
The primary benefit of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* is its role in enhancing milk yield and composition in lactating ruminants. Meta-analyses report a significant increase in milk production, specifically in goats and dairy cows with standardized mean differences (SMD) indicating moderate to large effects (e.g., SMD = 0.51 for goats). Secondary benefits include improvements in gastrointestinal health and immune response in livestock, with findings showing enhanced ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility. These effects are particularly prominent in calves and aquaculture, where yeast supplementation supports growth, stress resistance, and disease resilience. Overall, the quality of evidence from multiple studies is high, though human data remains sparse.
How it works
*Saccharomyces cerevisiae* promotes improved ruminal fermentation by scavenging excess oxygen, which lowers the redox potential and fosters the growth of beneficial cellulolytic bacteria. This results in better nutrient digestibility and optimized proportions of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), contributing to increased milk yield and fat content. The yeast modulates the gastrointestinal environment, enhancing nutrient absorption through beneficial microbiota interactions. With good bioavailability, particularly in live or fermented forms, components such as beta-glucan and B vitamins are effectively utilized by the host.
Side effects
Generally, *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* is considered safe for use, yet potential contamination with ochratoxin A (OTA) poses a risk in some products. Common side effects, observed in more than 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating or gas, though comprehensive human data is lacking. Uncommon effects, occurring in 1-5% of individuals, have not been well documented, and rare side effects are reported in less than 1% of cases. While there is no robust evidence indicating significant drug interactions, caution is advised when combined with gastrointestinal agents. Individuals with severe yeast allergies should avoid its use, and pregnant or lactating women should approach supplementation cautiously due to insufficient safety data.
Dosage
In livestock, the recommended dosage of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* varies based on species and purpose, typically ranging from 1 to 5 grams per day per animal. In lactating goats, significant effects are observed from doses around 1.5-3.0 g/day/head. While there is no established maximum safe dose, practical use rarely exceeds 10 g/day/animal. Timing of administration is crucial, ideally starting after kidding or at the onset of lactation to maximize benefits. The form of supplementation matters; live yeast is more effective compared to inactive forms, and bioavailability can be improved with micro-encapsulated or fermented preparations.
FAQs
Is *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* safe?
Yes, it is generally considered safe, but ensure products are free from contaminants like ochratoxin A (OTA).
When should I start supplementation?
For ruminants, begin supplementation after kidding or at the start of lactation for optimal milk production.
What effects can I expect from *S. cerevisiae*?
Expect improved milk yield, better gastrointestinal health, and enhanced immunity in livestock.
Is there evidence of its effectiveness in humans?
*S. cerevisiae* is not a proven galactagogue in humans; more research is needed to establish its effects.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.1014977/full – This meta-analysis reviews 18 studies on lactating goats, reporting significant increases in milk yield and fat content with *S. cerevisiae* supplementation, underscoring its effectiveness in improving dairy production.
- https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(22)00409-X/fulltext – A comprehensive review of 36 studies on dairy cows confirms the positive impact of *S. cerevisiae* on milk yield and nutritional quality, highlighting its substantial benefits in the dairy industry.
- https://doi.org/10.3390/2076-2615/13/21/3383 – This meta-analysis on calves demonstrates that *S. cerevisiae* supplementation enhances growth performance, immune response, and ruminal fermentation parameters, establishing its critical role in animal nutrition.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33668808/ – This study discusses the effects of *S. cerevisiae* in aquaculture, reporting improvements in growth, stress resistance, and disease resistance, illustrating its versatility across species.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22921623/ – This article provides insights into the general safety and efficacy of yeast products, addressing potential contaminants and discussing their health benefits.
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