Vitamins in Brewers Yeast

Brewer's yeast, made from a fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is most commonly used to make beer. But it has been used for years as a nutritional supplement because of its high B vitamin content. It is also a good source of a number of minerals including chromium and selenium. Adults typically take 1 to 2 tbsp. a day mixed in food or water.

Thiamine

A 2 tbsp. serving of brewer's yeast contains 1.2 mg of thiamine, or about 80 percent of your daily value. Thiamine, one of the B vitamins, helps you metabolize the food you eat into energy and plays a role in nerve conduction.

Riboflavin

One serving of brewer's yeast meets 70 percent of your daily value for riboflavin, or about 1.2 mg. Riboflavin is also a B vitamin that helps you turn food into energy, specifically carbohydrates and fat. Riboflavin also offers some protection against cell oxidative damage.

Niacin

As a B vitamin, niacin also helps turn protein, fats and carbohydrates into energy. In high doses, niacin can also help reduce blood cholesterol levels. A 2-tbsp. serving of brewer's yeast contains 10 mg of niacin, or about 50 percent of your daily needs.

Vitamin B-6

One serving of brewer's yeast meets 60 percent of your daily vitamin B-6 needs, or about 1.2 mg. Vitamin B-6 helps you metabolize proteins and also plays a role in the formation of the hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Adequate intake of vitamin B-6 also help you maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Folic Acid

One serving of brewer's yeast meets 50 percent of your daily needs for folic acid, about 200 micrograms. As a B vitamin, folic acid is essential for the formation of RNA and DNA. It also helps you form both red and white blood cells. Women of childbearing age need adequate intakes of folic acid to prevent birth defects in their children.

Vitamin B12

A 2-tbsp. serving of brewer's yeast contains 0.3 micrograms of vitamin B-12, meeting about 5 percent of your daily needs. Vitamin B-12 is also necessary for the formation of blood cells. Inadequate intakes of vitamin B-12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia and impaired neurological function. Brewer's yeast is primarily found in animal products and fortified foods.

Biotin

Biotin is also a B vitamin. One serving of Brewer's yeast provides 15 micrograms of biotin, meeting 5 percent of your daily needs. Biotin helps your body break down fats and proteins.

Pantothenic Acid

The B vitamin pantothenic acid helps you metabolize fats and carbohydrates into energy. A 2-tbsp. serving of brewer's yeast provides 0.8 mg, or 8 percent, of your daily pantothenic acid needs.