Torula Yeast Allergy

Torula yeast, otherwise known as candida utilis, is a lesser known variation of yeast that may be causing your allergic reactions. Although torula yeast isn't a new discovery, it's recently being added to foods due to its many useful qualities. An allergic reaction to torula yeast may present itself as a high fever with fatigue, a rash or even a urinary tract infection.

What is Torula Yeast?

Torula yeast grows on the wood sugars found on trees, giving it the advantages of growing quickly and being easily maintained. It enhances the flavor, spiciness, and aroma of food and masks any bitter taste created by other additives. Torula yeast can also preserve the shelf life of foods and can be used as an emulsifier to hold together sauces. Nutritionally, torula is superior to other yeasts due to containing more digestible protein, B vitamins, minerals and low levels of salt.

Sources of Torula Yeast

Since the flavoring agent MSG has several adverse side effects, many food manufacturers and restaurants are replacing MSG with torula yeast. You can find torula yeast in many canned foods, ready made sauces, gravies and soups. Meat substitutes, protein shakes and pet foods may also contain torula yeast for its nutritional value.

Prevalence of Allergic Reaction

In 1985, an immunocompromised leukemia patient became lethargic and developed a high fever after being injected with a catheter that was later found to have strains of torula yeast. A similar situation was reported in 1986 and then in 1987 in a patient who didn't have a compromised immune system. In 1999, an elderly woman was found to have a chronic urinary tract infection for three years due to torula yeast. The only recent medical report of an allergic reaction to torula yeast was in February 2011 in three neonatal patients.

Your Risk

Allergic or other adverse reactions to torula yeast aren't very common compared to other yeasts. However, if you're sensitive to yeasts and mold, you may be one of the few who are sensitive to torula yeast. If you have a compromised immune system, such as with cancers and neutropenia, it may also be advisable to monitor your intake of torula yeast for any negative reactions.