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Yeast Hydrolysate

Also known as: Yeast Hydrolysate (YH), Yeast extract, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast peptides, Yeast Hydrolysate

Overview

Yeast Hydrolysate (YH) is a nutritional supplement and functional food ingredient derived primarily from *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* yeast cells. It is produced through enzymatic or acid hydrolysis, which breaks down the yeast into smaller peptides, amino acids, and other bioactive compounds. YH is primarily used for its potential benefits in weight management and metabolic regulation, and it also finds application in animal nutrition to enhance growth and health. Research suggests that the peptides within YH may modulate metabolism, appetite, and fat accumulation. While human clinical trials are currently limited, animal and in vitro studies provide mechanistic insights into its potential effects. The evidence base for YH is considered emerging, with moderate quality, as systematic reviews and meta-analyses are still lacking.

Benefits

Yeast Hydrolysate offers several potential benefits, primarily in weight and fat reduction. A human randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 30 obese adults demonstrated that daily supplementation with 0.5 g of YH for 8 weeks significantly reduced appetite and body fat without affecting fat-free mass. This suggests a role in managing obesity. Furthermore, in *Drosophila melanogaster* models, YH was shown to decrease triglyceride levels and regulate genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism and lipogenesis, indicating its potential to inhibit fat accumulation. Beyond weight management, YH has been observed to improve metabolic gene regulation, specifically modulating insulin-like peptides and lipogenesis genes in animal models. In animal nutrition, hydrolyzed yeast supplementation has improved intestinal redox homeostasis and reduced mortality in heat-stressed broiler chickens. While promising, the human data is limited to small trials, primarily in obese adults, and effects were observed after 8 weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Yeast Hydrolysate exerts its effects primarily through the modulation of metabolic pathways. The peptides contained within YH are believed to regulate appetite and lipid metabolism. Research in *Drosophila* models indicates that YH influences carbohydrate metabolism genes and insulin-like peptides. This suggests a dual action: affecting central appetite regulation by potentially interacting with neurotransmitter pathways that control feeding behavior, and influencing peripheral lipid metabolism by modulating genes involved in fat synthesis (lipogenesis). The bioactive peptides and amino acids derived from the hydrolysis process are readily absorbed, allowing them to interact with various body systems to achieve these metabolic effects. The precise molecular targets and specific bioactive peptides responsible for all observed effects are still under investigation.

Side effects

Yeast Hydrolysate appears to be generally safe at the doses studied. In the human randomized controlled trial where participants received 0.5 g/day for 8 weeks, no adverse effects were reported. Similarly, animal studies have not documented common or uncommon side effects. As of now, there are no known drug interactions, but caution is advised due to the limited data available. No specific contraindications have been established for YH. However, there is a lack of data regarding its safety and effects in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and children. Therefore, individuals in these groups should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before considering supplementation.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Yeast Hydrolysate identified in human studies is 0.5 g per day. This dosage demonstrated efficacy in a human obesity trial, leading to reduced appetite and body fat over an 8-week period. The optimal dosage for various purposes is not yet well-established, as animal studies have utilized variable concentrations, and human research is limited to this specific dose. A maximum safe dose has not been defined, with human studies only exploring low doses. YH is typically taken as a daily supplement, often in oral capsule or powder form. The timing of supplementation relative to meals has not been specified as critical. The hydrolyzed peptides generally exhibit good bioavailability, meaning they are well-absorbed by the body. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is yeast hydrolysate effective for weight loss?

Limited human evidence suggests that 0.5 g/day of Yeast Hydrolysate may modestly suppress appetite and reduce body fat over 8 weeks, based on a small clinical trial.

Is it safe?

Yes, current research indicates Yeast Hydrolysate is generally safe at studied doses, with no adverse effects reported in controlled human trials.

How quickly do effects appear?

Based on available human data, effects such as appetite suppression and body fat reduction were observed within 8 weeks of consistent supplementation.

Can it be combined with other supplements?

There are no known contraindications for combining Yeast Hydrolysate with other supplements, but data on interactions are limited.

Is it suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Yeast Hydrolysate is derived from yeast, making it suitable for vegetarians.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5383141/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Yeast Hydrolysate (YH) on appetite and body composition in 30 obese adults over 8 weeks. The study found that 0.5 g/day of YH significantly reduced appetite scores and body fat without adverse effects, suggesting its potential for weight management.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10671767/ – This experimental study used *Drosophila melanogaster* models to explore the anti-obesity mechanisms of Yeast Hydrolysate. It demonstrated that YH decreased triglyceride levels and regulated genes related to carbohydrate metabolism and lipogenesis, providing mechanistic insights into its fat accumulation inhibitory effects.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2024.1484150/full – This controlled animal study in broiler chickens under heat stress evaluated the impact of hydrolyzed yeast supplementation. The research indicated that hydrolyzed yeast improved intestinal redox homeostasis, reduced mortality, and mitigated muscle myopathy, highlighting its benefits in animal health and nutrition.