Although some people use the terms interchangeably, Brewer’s yeast and nutritional yeast are often different substances. Both these yeasts differ from common baker’s yeast, the type of yeast used for baking breads and pastries. Yeast supplements provide numerous nutrients and may provide health benefits. Talk to your doctor before using nutritional supplements, such as yeast, to treat existing medical conditions.
Nutritional Yeast
According to “Nature’s Medicine,” nutritional yeast refers to any type of yeast grown solely for use as a food supplement. This may include a variety of yeasts, including Brewer’s yeast. Although baker’s yeast also contains nutritious substances, the baking process destroys certain nutrients. Yeasts grown solely for nutritious purposes may use a variety of plant ingredients, such as whey, wood pulp and molasses. The main difference between Brewer’s yeast and other forms of nutritional yeast is the source of the main ingredient. While many forms of nutritional yeast contain various plant substances, Brewer’s yeast uses hops, a common substance in beer. The specific nutrients in nutritional yeast can vary, due to the ingredients and the age of the yeast.
Brewer’s Yeast
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Brewer’s yeast contains most of the B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid and biotin. These nutrients play an important role in supporting the health of your skin, eyes, hair and liver. Although Brewer’s yeast does not naturally contain vitamin B12, some supplements contain fortified amount of this B vitamin. Vegetarians may not consume adequate amounts of vitamin B12, due to a lack of meat and dairy products.
Amino Acids
Nutritional yeast provides 16 amino acids. These amino acids provide the building blocks for protein in your body. You require amino acids to help break down food, as well as grow and repair cells and tissues. Although your body manufactures some amino acids, you require nine essential amino acids that you must obtain from food sources or nutritional supplements.
Precautions
Although most people can consume nutritional yeast, some people may experience digestive reactions, such as gas. Yeast may interact with certain medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, leading to a dangerous increase in blood pressure. Taking yeast supplements may increase your risk of yeast infections, making it important to talk to your doctor before consuming these nutritional supplements.
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