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Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Table of contents

Other Names

Bageri-gærBaker's yeastBakkersgistBira mayasiBrewer's yeastBudding yeastCandida robustaLevadura baja y alta de la cervezaLevadura de cervezaLevure de bièreLevure de boulangerNutritional yeastÖljästS. cerevisiaeSaccharomyces boulardiiSaccharomyces capensisSaccharomyces diastaticusSaccharomyces ellipsoideusSaccharomyces fructuumSaccharomyces hutensisSaccharomyces italicusSaccharomyces joanneSaccharomyces manginiSaccharomyces oviformisSaccharomyces steineriSaccharomyces viniTop-fermenting yeastVinjästØlgjær

Synopsis

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

1. Identity, Taxonomy, and Natural Sources

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a species of single-celled fungus in the family Saccharomycetaceae that is widely used in food production, biotechnology, and scientific research. Its name derives from the Latin saccharo (sugar), Greek mykes (fungus), and cerevisiae (of beer), reflecting its deep historical association with fermentation. It belongs to the group of fungi commonly known as ascomycetes, or sac fungi (division Ascomycota).

This species of yeast can be found all around the world on the surface of fruits and plants, in the soil, the gastrointestinal tract of animals, and the skin surface of humans. In addition to fermentations like wine, beer, cider, sake, and bread, S. cerevisiae has been isolated from environments ranging from soil and trees, to human clinical isolates.

S. cerevisiae has been studied as a eukaryotic model organism and was the first eukaryotic genome to be completely sequenced. Many proteins and pathways were discovered in humans by studying the homologs found in the yeast. It has contributed to major scientific discoveries, including insights into cell cycle regulation and gene expression, and it continues to be applied in modern biotechnology for producing pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and recombinant proteins.

Common Names and Synonyms

  • Baker's yeast — the active, live form used in bread production
  • Brewer's yeast — derived from the beer-brewing process; typically a byproduct of brewing and may have a more bitter taste, while nutritional yeast is milder and often used as a food seasoning.
  • Nutritional yeast — also made from S. cerevisiae; the difference is in how the yeast is cultivated.
  • Saccharomyces boulardii — a specific variant of S. cerevisiae, called S. boulardii, is available as a prescription probiotic. Saccharomyces boulardii is a subtype of S. cerevisiae.

Common Dosage Forms and Preparations

Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-based supplement (SCYS) is an inactive form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SCY) either obtained from the fermentation process or grown on molasses. SCYS, the inactive form of SCY (dead yeast cells without the fermentation or leavening property), is popular as a dietary supplement for humans. Preparations available on the market include:

  • Dried, inactive (deactivated/killed) whole yeast cells — the most common form for general nutritional supplementation, sold as tablets, capsules, or powder
  • Live or active yeast cells — used in probiotic preparations, particularly for gastrointestinal applications
  • Yeast cell wall extracts — concentrated fractions rich in β-glucans and/or mannan oligosaccharides (MOS)
  • Yeast extracts — soluble fractions containing free nucleotides, peptides, glutamine, and amino acids
  • Debittered brewer's yeast is a newer, more processed version of brewer's yeast. The "debittering" process removes much of the chromium in the yeast, so if looking for a good dietary source of chromium, one should check whether the brewer's yeast is debittered.

2. Historical and Traditional Use

As one of the earliest domesticated microorganisms, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been employed for thousands of years in baking, brewing, and winemaking, for which its ability to ferment sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide is essential.

The earliest known records of yeast-risen bread come from Ancient Egypt in 1300–1500 BCE and China in 500–300 BC. The oldest known example of yeast used in fermentation of a beverage was found in China and dates back to 7000 BC. Recent genomic evidence suggests that the canonical beer and bread yeast, S. cerevisiae, originated in China before moving west 16–14 thousand years ago (tya) via the route which would become the Silk Road.

Knowledge of fermentation and baking methods passed from Egypt and Babylon to ancient Greece and ancient Jewish cultures. From Greece, the knowledge passed to Rome, where they kneaded dough by hand instead of by foot. Pliny the Elder records that professional bakers did not appear in Rome until 168 BCE, after a war with King Perseus.

The spread of fermented beverages such as wine and beer, which were linked to bread making through the sharing of yeasts between brewers and bakers, is better studied. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been the cornerstone of fermented food production for centuries and is the most widely used microorganism in the production of traditionally fermented foods, typically in fermented foods such as fermented alcoholic beverages and baked goods.

Beyond its role in food and beverage fermentation, brewer's yeast was historically recognized as a nutritional substance. Vegetarians have used brewer's yeast as a source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for many years. Brewer's yeast has been used for decades in research evaluating the effect of chromium supplementation on fasting plasma glucose, lipid metabolism and blood pressure in diabetic patients. Its use as a tonic and dietary supplement thus predates the modern era of nutrition science, rooted in observations that workers and populations consuming fermented grain products appeared to be relatively healthy.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

Saccharomyces cerevisiae plays a beneficial role in health because of its intrinsic nutritional value and bio-functional properties, which is why it is also used as a dietary supplement. The principal constituents of S. cerevisiae-based supplements can be divided into cell wall components and intracellular compounds.

Cell Wall Components

  • β-(1,3)/(1,6)-D-glucans: The cell wall is mainly composed of β(1,3)-D-glucan and β(1,6)-D-glucan, mannoproteins, and chitin. Glucans are the main components accounting for 50–60% (by weight) of the cell wall in S. cerevisiae and other yeasts. Yeast β-glucans are bioactive polysaccharides derived primarily from the cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. They are widely recognized for their immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions as well as for their probiotic effects.
  • Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS): Mannan oligosaccharide obtained from cell wall of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is found to inhibit colonisation of enteric pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, etc.
  • Chitin: A structural polysaccharide forming a minor but biologically active component of the yeast cell wall. Chitin contributes to cell wall rigidity and has been investigated for its own immunological properties.

Nutritional and Intracellular Constituents

  • Protein and amino acids: Brewer's yeast contains all the essential amino acids, 14 minerals, and 17 vitamins. It is one of the best natural sources of the B-complex vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, pantothenic acid, biotin, and folic acid. It contains high-quality protein, making up over 50% of its dry weight, and provides essential amino acids.
  • B vitamins: It is one of the best natural sources of the B-complex vitamins thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, pantothenic acid, biotin, and folic acid. However, both types of yeast should not be regarded as sources of B12 unless they are fortified with this vitamin, as B12 found in both yeasts is not a bioactive form.
  • Chromium (Glucose Tolerance Factor — GTF): SCYS (i.e., brewer's yeast) contains organic chromium with better absorption compared to inorganic chromium. Brewer's yeast is very high in the trace mineral chromium, which must be present in order for insulin to do its work of moving glucose from the blood into the cell (thus regulating blood sugar levels). The chromium found in brewer's yeast is known as a Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF).
  • Other minerals: It is also high in minerals, including chromium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, and selenium.
  • Nucleotides and nucleic acids: A proprietary blend derived from the fermentation of S. cerevisiae yeast includes β-glucans, free nucleotides, glutamine, peptides, mannan oligosaccharides, and other bioactive compounds.

Compositional Variation by Preparation Type

Brewer's yeast is high in protein, B-vitamins, and chromium (some of the newer "debittered" forms don't have chromium). However, the nutritional profile varies depending on the grain on which the yeast is grown, how it is processed, and whether it has been fortified with added nutrients. Brewer's yeast is a byproduct of beer fermentation that's rich in naturally occurring chromium and trace minerals. Cell wall extracts and isolated β-glucan fractions, by contrast, are processed specifically to enrich for polysaccharide content, often at the expense of vitamin and mineral content. During manufacturing of some yeast β-glucan products, the yeast is multiply boiled and washed and therefore contains hardly any vitamins or minerals.

4. Mechanisms of Action

Immunomodulation via β-Glucan–Receptor Interactions

β-Glucan is a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) with potent immunomodulatory effects on innate immunity. A high-complexity blend of two individual β-glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses strong bioactivity, resulting in an enhanced trained innate immune response by human primary monocytes. The training required the Dectin-1/CR3, TLR4, and MMR receptors, as well as the Raf-1, Syk, and PI3K downstream signaling molecules.

Human monocytes pre-exposed to β-glucan exhibit an enhanced immune response upon secondary stimulation with various secondary stimuli. This effect is mediated by the C-type lectin receptor Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3 (CR3). Subsequent activation of the Akt/mTOR/Hif1α pathway triggers epigenetic rewiring in monocytes/macrophages, causing the upregulation of genes that code for pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF and IL-1β and IL-6.

Yeast β-glucans and mannans are known to interact with an array of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) including Dectin-1 and -2, DC-SIGN, TLR2, TLR4, and TLR6 located on various immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and T-regulatory cells.

β-Glucans obtained from baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)-derived β-glucan (BBG) potently activate macrophages through nuclear factor κB (NFκB) translocation and activation of its signaling pathways. Results indicate that BBG is a powerful inhibitor of LPS-induced NO production by downregulating iNOS expression. The mechanism involves inactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and TLR2 pathway, but is independent of Dectin-1.

Trained Immunity

By activating multiple receptors and downstream signaling pathways, the components of β-glucan preparations are able to act synergistically, causing a robust secondary response upon an unrelated challenge. In in-vivo murine models of melanoma and bladder cell carcinoma, pre-treatment of mice with the β-glucan preparation led to a significant reduction in tumor growth. This phenomenon of epigenetic reprogramming of innate immune cells to improve subsequent responses to diverse stimuli is termed "trained immunity" and represents a major mechanistic framework for understanding yeast-derived β-glucan's systemic effects. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanistic aspects through which S. cerevisiae β-glucans induce long-term innate immune memory and protective heterologous effects.

Chromium-Mediated Glucose Regulation

Research comparing the bioactivity of different chromium-based compounds using insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed that GTF can improve glucose metabolism much more efficiently than other forms of chromium such as chromium pyridinate or chromium trichloride. The GTF chromium in brewer's yeast is thought to potentiate the action of insulin by facilitating glucose uptake into cells, thereby improving glycemic control.

Gut Mucosal and Prebiotic Effects

The mechanisms by which S. boulardii (a strain of S. cerevisiae) exerts its actions are multifactorial and include the interference with pathogen attachment, restoration of disrupted intestinal microflora, inactivation of toxins (including Vibrio cholerae, ETEC, Clostridioides difficile, etc.), antisecretory effects, and immunomodulatory effects, both within the lumen and systemically. There is evidence that β-glucan can adhere to enteric pathogens, thereby reducing their ability to adhere and invade host cells.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Gastrointestinal Health and Diarrhea (Saccharomyces boulardii, a strain of S. cerevisiae)

S. boulardii is taxonomically a strain of S. cerevisiae and represents the best-evidenced application of this yeast in human clinical medicine. This area of evidence covers a review of evidence for efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii for various disease indications in adults based on peer-reviewed, randomized clinical trials and pre-clinical studies from the published medical literature between 1976 and 2009.

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD): Of 31 randomized, placebo-controlled treatment arms in 27 trials (encompassing 5,029 study patients), S. boulardii was found to be significantly efficacious and safe in 84% of those treatment arms. A meta-analysis found a significant therapeutic efficacy for S. boulardii in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) (RR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.35–0.63, P < 0.001). A separate meta-analysis confirmed these findings: in children, S. boulardii reduced the risk from 20.9% to 8.8% (6 RCTs, n=1,653, RR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.3–0.6); in adults, from 17.4% to 8.2% (15 RCTs, n=3,114, RR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.38–0.63).

Clostridioides difficile-Associated Diarrhea: S. boulardii reduced the risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea; however, this reduction was significant only in children (2 RCTs, n = 579, RR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.08–0.73) and not in adults (9 RCTs, n = 1,441, RR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.47–1.34).

Pediatric Acute Gastroenteritis: In a meta-analysis including 10 articles with a total of 1,282 children, the use of Saccharomyces boulardii in children with acute gastroenteritis could effectively shorten diarrhea duration (MD = −19.70 hours, 95% CI: −24.87, −14.52) and reduce the length of hospital stay (MD = −0.91 days, 95% CI: −1.28, −0.54). Compared with the control group, the RR of continued diarrhea was significantly lower in the treatment group after 1 day (RR = 0.31) and 3 days treatment (RR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.66).

H. pylori Treatment and Other Diarrhea: S. boulardii is significantly effective for the prevention of AAD and prevention of traveler's diarrhea. Trials also show evidence for S. boulardii in the reduction of side-effects of H. pylori treatment and the prevention of enteral nutrition-related diarrhea.

Evidence strength: For AAD and acute gastroenteritis in children, the evidence base is strong, with multiple high-quality RCTs and consistent meta-analytic findings. For C. difficile-associated diarrhea in adults and other gastrointestinal indications, evidence is moderate and more heterogeneous.

5.2 Immune Support and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (β-Glucan)

A study evaluated the effects of brewer's yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan on incidence and severity of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Generally healthy men and women (n = 299) reporting at least three URTIs during the previous year were randomized to receive either a placebo or 900 mg of yeast beta-glucan (insoluble pure (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan made from brewer's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) per day over a period of 16 weeks.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aimed to test whether yeast-derived β-1,3/1,6 glucan can prevent the occurrence or reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and modulate innate immune responses during winter months in community-dwelling older adults. This was a study of adults ages 50 to 70 years randomized to once-daily β-1,3/1,6 glucan (Wellmune, 250 mg/d; n = 50) or identical placebo capsule (n = 50) over 90 days during winter. Daily oral β-1,3/1,6 glucan may protect against URTIs and reduce the duration of URTI symptoms once older individuals are infected. This may be linked to effects on immune function.

Beta-glucan supplementation maintains immune function in endurance athletes, reduces post-exercise URTIs in marathon runners, and maintenance of post-exercise immune function is associated with improved mood state, including reduced fatigue and increased vigor in athletes.

Yeast β-glucan supplementation derived from S. cerevisiae has been approved for use in food supplements by the FDA and received GRAS status in 2008 (GRN: 000239) at a maximum dose of 200 mg per serving, with the daily dose ranging from 100–500 mg.

Evidence strength: Human clinical evidence for β-glucan from S. cerevisiae on URTI incidence and severity in specific populations (older adults, athletes) is moderate. Several double-blind RCTs show favorable trends; however, many trials are industry-funded and involve proprietary preparations, which limits generalizability. Mechanistic data from cell and animal studies is robust, but the full translation to clinical benefit in general populations remains under investigation. Preliminary evidence indicates that yeast β-glucan may have preventive effects against URTIs, but the current body of research is limited.

5.3 Blood Glucose and Metabolic Health (Chromium-GTF)

The chromium content of brewer's yeast has been studied in diabetic and prediabetic populations. A clinical double-blind, random cross-over trial compared inorganic chromium trichloride, a brewer's yeast containing chromium as glucose-tolerance-factor (GTF), a brewer's yeast extract without GTF, and a placebo. Forty-three outpatient diabetic men received three of these supplements for 4 months each, including subgroups of ketosis-prone, ketosis-resistant non-obese, and ketosis-resistant obese men. Response of carbohydrate metabolism to treatment was assessed in terms of change in insulin requirements, fasting plasma glucose, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Brewer's yeast has been used for decades in research evaluating the effect of chromium supplementation on fasting plasma glucose, lipid metabolism, and blood pressure in diabetic patients. Overall, while individual studies have shown improvements in glycemic markers with chromium-rich brewer's yeast, the field is complicated by the varying chromium content of different preparations, and the evidence is preliminary to moderate. Results are more consistent in subjects with documented chromium insufficiency or type 2 diabetes than in healthy individuals.

5.4 Galactagogue (Breast Milk Production)

Anecdotal evidence suggests SCYS is a galactagogue. SCYS is promoted on the internet as a galactagogue in various forms and doses. Dietary supplementation with SCYS during gestation and lactation significantly increases milk yield in ruminants. However, no human study has evaluated efficacy of SCYS as a galactagogue at the time of that review.

A subsequent randomized controlled trial addressed this gap: Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-based supplements (SCYS) are frequently used as galactagogues with limited evidence of their efficacy. This study investigated the effect of SCYS on human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) concentration and indicators of milk supply. Sixty-eight breastfeeding women with a healthy singleton infant aged 1–7 months were randomly assigned to consume a SCYS product (5 g/day) or placebo for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in total HMO concentration. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed no significant effect of SCYS on individual or total HMO concentrations.

Evidence strength: Currently weak for human galactagogue use. Animal data are positive but do not translate directly to humans, and the only identified RCT found no significant effect on milk composition. Further trials with direct milk volume and infant outcomes are needed.

5.5 Cholesterol and Lipid Metabolism

Some research has examined whether brewer's yeast and its cell wall fractions can influence lipid profiles. Brewer's yeast has been used for decades in research evaluating the effect of chromium supplementation on lipid metabolism in diabetic patients. A registered clinical trial has examined the effect of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae and yeast cell wall fractions on LDL cholesterol, indicating continued investigational interest in this area. At present, however, the evidence from human clinical trials specifically for cholesterol lowering with whole brewer's yeast or β-glucan preparations derived from S. cerevisiae (as opposed to oat β-glucan, which has well-established cholesterol-lowering evidence) remains preliminary, with insufficient RCT data to draw firm conclusions.

5.6 Antioxidant Effects

Yeast β-glucans are widely recognized for their immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions. Preclinical evidence indicates that cell wall β-glucans can modulate oxidative stress pathways. However, robust human clinical evidence specifically demonstrating antioxidant benefit from supplemental S. cerevisiae preparations is currently limited to animal and in vitro studies and should be characterized as preliminary.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas of Association

  • Gastrointestinal system: Most extensively evidenced area; probiotics including S. boulardii (a strain of S. cerevisiae) show well-replicated benefit in AAD, traveler's diarrhea, and pediatric acute gastroenteritis. Brewer's yeast is considered a probiotic and is used to aid digestion. Brewer's yeast contains small organisms (microflora) that help maintain the proper functioning of the digestive tract.
  • Immune system: β-Glucan fractions are extensively studied for modulation of innate and trained immunity. By activating multiple receptors and downstream signaling pathways, the components of S. cerevisiae β-glucan preparations are able to act synergistically, causing a robust secondary response upon an unrelated challenge. In in-vivo murine models of melanoma and bladder cell carcinoma, pre-treatment of mice with the β-glucan preparation led to a significant reduction in tumor growth.
  • Metabolic / endocrine system: Chromium-containing preparations are studied for effects on insulin sensitivity, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profiles, particularly in diabetic populations.
  • Nutritional / general health: SCYS is promoted as containing high concentrations of protein, some B vitamins and minerals, as well as beta-glucan and mannan oligosaccharides from yeast cell walls. This profile makes it a particularly popular supplement among vegetarians and those seeking comprehensive micronutrient support.
  • Skin and hair: The rich B vitamin, protein, and mineral composition of brewer's yeast has led to its use in cosmetic and topical preparations. Cosmetic products containing S. cerevisiae extract improved skin moisture, brightness, and smoothness in volunteers. However, direct clinical evidence from controlled trials specifically for skin and hair benefits from oral supplementation is limited.
  • Lactation: Popular as a galactagogue supplement despite limited human evidence of efficacy.

7. Dosage Forms and Doses Reported in Studies

Dosages reported in the scientific literature vary considerably by formulation, preparation, and intended indication:

  • β-Glucan (immune / URTI studies): A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in older adults used once-daily β-1,3/1,6 glucan (Wellmune 250 mg/d) over 90 days during winter. A separate study in healthy adults used 900 mg insoluble pure (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan made from brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) per day over 16 weeks. One study in healthy, active adults used 250 mg/day of yeast beta-glucan supplementation for 13 days. The FDA-GRAS status for yeast β-glucan from S. cerevisiae was granted at a maximum dose of 200 mg per serving, with the daily dose ranging from 100–500 mg.
  • Saccharomyces boulardii (gastrointestinal / probiotic studies): The typical adult dosage of S. boulardii ranges from 250 to 500 mg once or twice daily, often administered for a duration of 7–14 days depending on the indication.
  • SCYS whole yeast (galactagogue study): Sixty-eight breastfeeding women were randomly assigned to consume a SCYS product at 5 g/day for 4 weeks.
  • Yeast cell wall (cholesterol study): A clinical trial used 2 capsules per day (700 mg) of yeast cell wall preparation.
  • Probiotic vaginal health study: Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 was studied at 500 mg per day (2 capsules) and 1 g per day (2 capsules), for 4 weeks.

8. Safety Considerations and Known Interactions

General Safety in Healthy Populations

While Saccharomyces boulardii (a strain of S. cerevisiae) is considered safe in immunocompetent individuals, its use in critically ill patients has been increasingly associated with invasive fungal infections, particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae fungemia. Generally, treatment with probiotics is considered safe, but a few cases of fungemia with S. boulardii have been reported in critically ill patients treated with probiotics.

Risk of Fungemia in Vulnerable Populations

We report two cases of fungemia caused by S. cerevisiae occurring in immunosuppressed patients treated orally with S. boulardii. Molecular typing confirmed clonality in isolate strains from patients and the capsule. Physicians caring for immunosuppressed patients must be aware of this potential serious complication of probiotic use.

The EMA published a document in 2017 warning against the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-containing probiotics in immunocompromised, chronically ill patients or patients with predisposing factors. The prevalence of S. cerevisiae fungemia has risen over the past years, notably among patients with predisposing factors.

S. cerevisiae has been related to a wide variety of infections, which range from vaginitis in healthy patients and cutaneous infections, to systemic bloodstream infections and infections of essential organs in immunocompromised and critically ill patients.

Given the widespread consumption of dietary supplements, it is recommended that only safe strains be used.

Contamination

The safety of taking SCYS during lactation is not well studied. Studies have reported contamination of SCYS with ochratoxin A (OTA) as well as minor side effects from SCYS.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

During an experimental period in the chromium yeast group, three persons reported subjective side effects, such as skin rash (one person), decreasing appetite (one person), and constipation (one person). More commonly reported adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, and discomfort, especially when beginning supplementation.

Drug and Supplement Interactions

  • MAO inhibitors (MAOIs): Brewer's yeast contains tyramine (a biogenic amine produced during fermentation). Ingestion of tyramine-containing foods and supplements while taking MAO-inhibiting medications can precipitate hypertensive crises. This is a clinically important interaction to avoid.
  • Antifungal medications: Isolated strains of S. cerevisiae have presented high minimal inhibitory concentrations for fluconazole, while MICs for amphotericin B, voriconazole, and echinocandins were low. In the context of active S. cerevisiae fungemia, prompt antifungal therapy is required.
  • Antidiabetic agents: Given that chromium-containing brewer's yeast preparations may lower blood glucose, concurrent use with insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents warrants monitoring for hypoglycemia.
  • Central venous catheters: Management of S. cerevisiae fungemia involves prompt discontinuation of the probiotic, removal of any suspected central lines, and initiation of antifungal therapy. The presence of central venous catheters is a recognized risk factor for systemic spread in hospitalized patients receiving oral S. cerevisiae/S. boulardii.

Special Populations

Due to the seriousness of fungemia complications, clinicians are reminded of this risk when prescribing the probiotic, especially to immunocompromised patients. In hospitalized patients—particularly in children and immunocompromised individuals—this yeast can act as an opportunistic pathogen. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, patients with central venous catheters, those with short bowel syndrome, and individuals with severely compromised immune systems represent populations where extra caution or avoidance is warranted based on available evidence.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that Saccharomyces cerevisiae may help support.

  • No conditions available.

Body Systems

Body systems that Saccharomyces cerevisiae may help support.

  • No body systems available.
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