Dried Yeast
Also known as: Dried yeast, baker’s yeast, brewer’s yeast, nutritional yeast, red yeast rice (RYR) extract, yeast beta-glucan, Monascus purpureus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Overview
Dried yeast supplements are derived from yeast cells, primarily *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* or *Monascus purpureus* (in Red Yeast Rice, RYR). They can be consumed as whole dried yeast, extracts (like RYR), or isolated components such as beta-glucans. Yeast is also being explored as a biological platform for vitamin D production. Red yeast rice extract is primarily used to reduce hypercholesterolemia due to its monacolin content, particularly monacolin K, which is chemically identical to lovastatin and inhibits cholesterol synthesis. Yeast beta-glucans, polysaccharides derived from yeast cell walls, are investigated for their potential in metabolic regulation and immune modulation. While RYR has a mature evidence base with multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy and safety, research on yeast beta-glucans is moderate, with more preclinical than clinical data. The use of yeast as a vitamin D production platform is an emerging area, currently mostly in preclinical and biotechnological research phases.
Benefits
Red yeast rice (RYR) extract has robust evidence for its lipid-lowering effects in hypercholesterolemic adults. Clinical trials and meta-analyses consistently show statistically significant reductions in total cholesterol by approximately 37 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol by about 36 mg/dL over 4-24 weeks of supplementation. These reductions are clinically meaningful and comparable to low-dose statins. RYR does not significantly affect HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. The primary beneficiaries are adults with hypercholesterolemia. Yeast beta-glucans show potential for promoting glucose and lipid homeostasis, primarily observed in animal models of obesity and diabetes. However, human data for beta-glucans are limited, and meta-analyses indicate no significant effect on body weight in humans or animals. The effects of RYR are typically observed within 4 to 24 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Red Yeast Rice (RYR) is attributed to its monacolin K content, which acts as a potent inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis within the liver. This inhibition leads to a reduction in the body's natural production of cholesterol. Yeast beta-glucans, on the other hand, modulate the immune response by interacting with pattern recognition receptors, such as Dectin-1. They may also influence glucose and lipid metabolism through various hepatic pathways. While monacolin K from RYR is orally bioavailable, similar to lovastatin, the absorption of beta-glucans is limited, suggesting their effects are likely mediated through interactions with gut immune cells and the gut microbiota.
Side effects
Red Yeast Rice (RYR) is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, particularly in individuals with moderate hypercholesterolemia, with studies showing no increase in life-threatening side effects. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is occasionally reported. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include muscle-related symptoms, similar to those seen with statins, though less frequent with RYR. Rare but serious side effects (<1%) such as hepatotoxicity and rhabdomyolysis are possible, especially at higher doses or in susceptible individuals. RYR may interact with other lipid-lowering drugs and medications metabolized by CYP3A4. It is contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, in individuals with liver disease, or those with statin intolerance. Elderly individuals and those with comorbidities should use RYR under medical supervision. Yeast beta-glucans are generally considered safe with minimal reported adverse effects and low potential for drug interactions. However, caution is advised for immunocompromised individuals.
Dosage
For Red Yeast Rice (RYR), clinical trials have typically used doses providing approximately 10 mg of monacolin K daily. The optimal dosage range for RYR extract is generally 1,200–2,400 mg daily, standardized to its monacolin K content. There is no universally established maximum safe dose, but doses exceeding 10 mg of monacolin K daily may increase the risk of adverse effects. RYR is usually taken once daily with meals to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Standardized RYR extracts are preferred to ensure consistent monacolin K content. Fat-containing meals may improve monacolin K absorption. No specific cofactors are required, but overall diet and lifestyle play a role in outcomes. Beta-glucans are often administered as isolated polysaccharide supplements, with specific dosages varying based on the product and intended use.
FAQs
Is dried yeast the same as red yeast rice?
No. Dried yeast typically refers to *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*, commonly used in baking or as nutritional yeast. Red yeast rice is rice fermented with *Monascus purpureus* yeast, which produces monacolins, compounds known for their cholesterol-lowering properties.
Is RYR safe like statins?
Red Yeast Rice contains natural statin-like compounds (monacolins) and shares a similar safety profile to statins, though it may have fewer side effects at typical doses. Medical supervision is recommended due to potential interactions and rare side effects.
How long until cholesterol benefits appear?
Significant cholesterol-lowering effects from Red Yeast Rice supplementation are typically observed within 4 to 24 weeks of consistent daily use.
Do yeast beta-glucans help with weight loss?
Current scientific evidence does not strongly support significant weight loss effects in humans from yeast beta-glucan supplementation. While some animal studies show metabolic benefits, human data are limited.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38794691/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 double-blind RCTs found that Red Yeast Rice (RYR) extract significantly reduced total cholesterol by 37.43 mg/dL and LDL-C by 35.82 mg/dL in hypercholesterolemic adults over 4-24 weeks, with no increase in serious adverse events. The study highlights RYR's efficacy in lipid lowering, comparable to low-dose statins, and its generally good safety profile.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/12/4250 – This systematic review and meta-analysis on yeast beta-glucans examined their effects on obesity and metabolic parameters in animal models and limited human trials. It concluded that while there was no significant effect on body weight, some evidence suggested improved glucose and lipid homeostasis in animal models. The review noted the need for more human clinical trials due to limited and heterogeneous data.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30844537/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the safety profile of Red Yeast Rice (RYR) in moderately hypercholesterolemic adults. It concluded that RYR supplementation is generally well-tolerated with a low incidence of muscle and liver adverse effects, supporting its safety for lipid lowering. The study emphasized that while rare, serious side effects like hepatotoxicity and rhabdomyolysis are possible, particularly at higher doses.
Supplements Containing Dried Yeast
Airborne More Than Just Vitamin C Zesty Orange
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Airborne Dual Action Citrus
Airborne
Total Digestion Probiotic
Body Dynamics MaXzorb Nutrition
Immune Shield
Body Kitchen
EpiCor 500 mg
Healthy Origins
EpiCor 125 mg for Kids
Healthy Origins
Daily Immune Defense
Doctor's Best
BetaBoost + Vitamin C Citrus
Airborne Advanced