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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
The dead yeast cells of brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is used as a dietary supplement to enhance milk production. No scientifically valid studies in humans have been performed that establish any effect of brewer's yeast on milk supply. Although studies in ruminants indicate that brewer's yeast might increase milk supply, the effect is attributed to improved nutrition (increases in vitamin B and chromium) rather than any specific effect on lactation.[1] Some side effects, mostly gastrointestinal, have been reported by nursing mothers taking brewer's yeast. There are wide variations in the content of brewer's yeast products.[1] In a US survey, of 190 mothers who used brewer’s yeast as a galactogogue 46% thought it increased milk supply.[2]
Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
In a survey of 108 nursing mothers in South Africa, one woman reported cramps in her infant after she used brewer's yeast as a galactogogue.[3]
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
In a survey of nursing mothers in Australia, 592 mothers were taking brewer's yeast as a galactogogue. On average, mothers rated brewer's yeast as slightly less than “moderately effective” on a Likert scale. Sixty-five mothers (11%) taking brewer's yeast reported experiencing an adverse reaction, most commonly weight gain, stomach cramps, dry mouth and nausea. Twelve (2%) reported having more than one adverse effect.[4]
References
- 1.
- Jia LL, Brough L, Weber JL. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-based supplementation as a galactagogue in breastfeeding women? A review of evidence from animal and human studies. Nutrients 2021;13:727. [PMC free article: PMC7996189] [PubMed: 33668808]
- 2.
- Ryan RA, Hepworth AD, Lyndon A, Bihuniak JD. Use of galactagogues to increase milk production among breastfeeding mothers in the United States: A descriptive study. J Acad Nutr Diet 2023;123:1329-39. [PubMed: 37236347]
- 3.
- Steyn N, Zunza M, Decloedt EH. A cross-sectional descriptive study of breastfeeding behaviour and galactogogue use among private-sector patients in Cape Town, South Africa. S Afr J Obstet Gynaecol 2017;23:20-3. doi:10.7196/SAJOG.2017.v23i1.1116 [CrossRef]
- 4.
- McBride GM, Stevenson R, Zizzo G, et al. Use and experiences of galactagogues while breastfeeding among Australian women. PLoS One 2021;16:e0254049. [PMC free article: PMC8248610] [PubMed: 34197558]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Brewer's Yeast
Scientific Name
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Drug Class
Breast Feeding
Lactation
Milk, Human
Complementary Therapies
Galactogogues
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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- Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) - Glossary
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- Breastfeeding Links
- Effect of brewer's yeast or beta-glucan on breast milk supply following preterm birth: the BLOOM study - protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial.[Int Breastfeed J. 2024]Effect of brewer's yeast or beta-glucan on breast milk supply following preterm birth: the BLOOM study - protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial.Grzeskowiak LE, Rumbold AR, Williams L, Kam RL, Ingman WV, Keir A, Martinello KA, Amir LH. Int Breastfeed J. 2024 Jun 20; 19(1):43. Epub 2024 Jun 20.
- [Vitamin B1 and B2 ratio as a method of brewer's and food yeast identification].[Vopr Pitan. 2004][Vitamin B1 and B2 ratio as a method of brewer's and food yeast identification].Vrzhesinskaia OA, Kodentsova VM. Vopr Pitan. 2004; 73(3):22-5.
- Review Brewer's/baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and preventive medicine: Part II.[Urol Nurs. 2008]Review Brewer's/baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and preventive medicine: Part II.Moyad MA. Urol Nurs. 2008 Feb; 28(1):73-5.
- Beta-glucan-depleted, glycopeptide-rich extracts from Brewer's and Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) lower interferon-gamma production by stimulated human blood cells in vitro.[Food Chem. 2016]Beta-glucan-depleted, glycopeptide-rich extracts from Brewer's and Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) lower interferon-gamma production by stimulated human blood cells in vitro.Williams R, Dias DA, Jayasinghe N, Roessner U, Bennett LE. Food Chem. 2016 Apr 15; 197(Pt A):761-8. Epub 2015 Nov 10.
- Review Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast-Based Supplementation as a Galactagogue in Breastfeeding Women? A Review of Evidence from Animal and Human Studies.[Nutrients. 2021]Review Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast-Based Supplementation as a Galactagogue in Breastfeeding Women? A Review of Evidence from Animal and Human Studies.Jia LL, Brough L, Weber JL. Nutrients. 2021 Feb 25; 13(3). Epub 2021 Feb 25.
- Brewer's Yeast - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)Brewer's Yeast - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
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