Brewer’s yeast is the dried, pulverized cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a type of fungus. It is a rich source of the B-complex vitamins, protein (providing all the essential amino acids), and minerals, particularly chromium. Brewer’s yeast should not be confused with baker’s yeast, nutritional yeast, or torula yeast, which are low in chromium. Where is it found? Brewer’s yeast, which has a very bitter taste, is recovered after being used in the beer-brewing process. Brewer’s yeast can also be grown specifically for harvest as a nutritional supplement. “De-bittered” yeast is also available, though most yeast sold in health food stores not tasting bitter is not real brewer’s yeast—particularly is found in bulk.

In what conditions might brewer’s yeast be supportive?

• diabetes
• diarrhea
• high cholesterol