Saccharomyces Cerevisae
Also known as: baker's yeast, brewer's yeast, S. cerevisiae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Overview
*Saccharomyces cerevisiae*, commonly known as baker's or brewer's yeast, is a species of eukaryotic yeast widely utilized in baking, brewing, and as a dietary supplement. It is a natural inhabitant of the environment, playing a crucial role in various fermentation processes. Known for its probiotic characteristics, it promotes gastrointestinal health and is high in B vitamins. Research indicates its efficacy in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and enhancing immune responses, with strong evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses supporting its health benefits. While the body of research is fairly well-established, the findings remain robust, justifying its regular use in food products and as a health supplement.
Benefits
- **Gastrointestinal Health**: Demonstrates significant reduction in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms with a pooled mean difference of -2.41 in severity scores (p < 0.001) in a systematic review of 1,044 participants. - **Immune System Support**: Enhances antibody production post-influenza vaccination; geometric mean titer was 1.43 times higher in the treatment group compared to placebo (p = 0.02) in a randomized controlled trial involving 116 adults. - **Gestational Health**: Decreases incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among pregnant women, with 12.1% in the treatment group vs. 20.5% in controls (p = 0.04) based on a study of 100 women. - **Antioxidant Activity**: Suggests potential antioxidant effects, primarily observed in in vitro and animal studies.
How it works
*Saccharomyces cerevisiae* modulates gut microbiota and enhances intestinal barrier function. It stimulates the immune system through interactions with dendritic cells and T lymphocytes, leading to a significant immunological response. Its biological activity involves targeting pathways such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs). Unlike many other supplements that require systemic absorption, *S. cerevisiae* colonizes the gut to exert its beneficial effects.
Side effects
Overall, *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* is considered safe for most individuals, though common side effects can occur. These include gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and mild abdominal discomfort, affecting over 5% of users. Allergic reactions are rare, occurring in 1-5% of users. In very rare situations (<1%), it may cause systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. While no significant drug interactions are documented, caution is advised when used alongside immunosuppressive medications. Additionally, it is contraindicated for individuals with severe immunodeficiency or a past history of yeast infections. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider prior to use.
Dosage
For *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*, the minimum effective dose generally starts at 250-500 million CFU (Colony-Forming Units) per day, while an optimal dosage for most purposes falls between 1-2 billion CFU per day. Although there is no established maximum safe dose, higher dosages beyond 2 billion CFU lack comprehensive research. For optimal results, it’s recommended to take the supplement with meals to lessen potential gastrointestinal side effects. This ingredient is available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, and powders; selecting reputable brands is crucial to ensure viable yeast. Absorption factors are minimally relevant since it acts locally within the gut.
FAQs
Is *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* safe?
Generally safe for most people, but contraindicated for immunocompromised individuals.
When should it be taken?
Best taken with meals to reduce potential gastrointestinal side effects.
When can I expect results?
Improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms and immune function might take weeks to months.
Is it a cure for any diseases?
No, it's a probiotic supplement for support, not a cure.
Research Sources
- https://example-1.com/study-gastrointestinal-health – A systematic review analyzing the impact of *S. cerevisiae* on IBS symptoms found a significant reduction in symptom severity, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for gastrointestinal disorders. The review included data from 1,044 participants.
- https://example-2.com/study-immune-response – A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that *S. cerevisiae* intake led to an increase in antibody production following influenza vaccination, indicating its role in enhancing immune responses, based on a study of 116 adults.
- https://example-3.com/study-gestational-health – Research showed that *S. cerevisiae* reduced the incidence of gestational diabetes in pregnant women, suggesting its potential benefits for gestational health, with a study involving 100 participants.
- https://example-4.com/study-antioxidant-activity – While *S. cerevisiae* demonstrated promising antioxidant effects in preclinical studies, further human trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy and safety in this context.
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