Yeast-free diets exclude foods, beverages and supplements made with yeast. Dietary supplements like vitamins and herbs sometimes contain yeast in the form of brewer's yeast or other kinds. Learning about the yeast-free diet and accepted supplements enables you to avoid accidental exposures that could compromise the effectiveness of the diet.
Purpose
People go on yeast-free diets for a variety of reasons. Yeast allergy and intolerance are common conditions requiring avoidance of foods with yeast. Some people opt for a yeast-free diet as a way to lose weight or improve overall health, since items with yeast, such as pastries and breads, are often high in calories and fat. In alternative medicine, a yeast-free diet is sometimes implemented to treat chronic candida overgrowth, though Creighton University says it is not a legitimate medical condition.
Types
Dietary supplements come in a variety of forms, including herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, brewer's yeast is rich in B-complex vitamins and selenium, making it a common ingredient in supplements that contain these nutrients. Items such as red yeast rice, nutritional yeast and brewer's yeast often contain large amounts of yeast, rather than the trace amounts found in other supplements.
Features
Yeast-free diets may differ in their individual rules and guidelines. Some exclude only foods that contain yeast, while others also prohibit fermented foods and those that contain mold, such as blue cheese. While yeast-free supplements are totally free of the substance, the manufacturing process may involve fermentation or other methods prohibited by the diet. According to the Food Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, all dietary supplements must list common food allergens on the label. But yeast is not considered a common allergen by the FDA and does not have to be explicitly listed.
Prevention/Solution
Choosing yeast-free supplements is easy if you know what ingredients to look for. Some B vitamins, selenium and products with the word "yeast" in the title, such as red yeast rice, are more likely to contain the substance. When buying supplements, look for brands that say "yeast-free" on the label to avoid all traces of yeast. If you have questions about an ingredient or supplement, check the product's website or contact the manufacturer for more information.
Warning
People with true yeast allergies should avoid all forms of the substance. If you experience throat swelling, trouble breathing or skin rash after taking a dietary supplement, discontinue use and seek emergency medical attention. These could be signs of anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
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