Side Effects of Nutritional Yeast (2024)

  • What Is
    • What is nutritional yeast?
  • Side Effects
    • Possible side effects of nutritional yeast
  • Uses
    • How can nutritional yeast be used?
  • Comments
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      **OTHERTAGLIST**

What is nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast, meaning the yeast cells are killed while being processed and the inactive yeast is the final product. It is generally available in powdered form or as flakes. It has a nutty and cheesy flavor making it a popular vegan cheese (non-dairy cheese) substitute. It is a valuable part of many diets. Nutritional yeast is a great source ofvitamins, minerals and complete proteinslike those found in animal products. For this reason, it is ideal for vegans, vegetarians and anyone who wants to cut back on meat consumption. Complete proteins help in tissue repair, nutrient absorption and prevention of muscle loss. It is low in calories and high in fiber, making it ideal to maintain healthy digestion and a healthy body weight.

The benefits of nutritional yeast outweigh the side effects. Nutritional yeast is safe for most people and negative side effects are extremely rare. It can cause issues for those who are sensitive toyeastproducts or those who are on certain medications. Therefore, while taking any kind of medication, it is advised to consult with a doctor to ensure there are no negative reactions between the medications and nutritional yeast. In general, the negative side effects of consuming nutritional yeast are not common and rarely occur if consumed in large amounts. If side effects do occur, they are usually not serious and can be resolved.

Possible side effects of nutritional yeast

  • Digestive problems: Nutritional yeast contains a high amount of fiber. Too much nutritional yeast added too quickly to one’s diet can cause problems with digestion, such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea. A high-fiber diet is good for digestive health. However, the fiber should be added gradually and the amount of yeast should be increased slowly, enabling the body to comfortably adapt to higher fiber consumption. Two tablespoons of nutritional yeast contains approximately 5 grams of dietary fiber, which is about 20 percent of the recommended daily intake.
  • Yeast intolerance and inflammatory bowel disease: Though rare, some people may not be able to digest nutritional yeast. This is usually seen in those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease. Nutritional yeast can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with IBD.
  • Trigger headaches or migraine attacks: Nutritional yeast may trigger migraine attacks in some individuals with migraine susceptibility because of the presence of tyramine (derived from the amino acid, tyrosine).
  • Facial flushing: Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of niacin (Vitamin B3), which is essential for body functioning. Consuming large amounts of niacin (usually over 500 mg) may cause facial flushing. Consuming such high doses of niacin can usually happen when it is taken as a supplement.

How can nutritional yeast be used?

Nutritional yeast should be stored in a cool, dark place to preserve its nutritional value and in an airtight container. If safely stored and kept away from moisture, it can last up to 2 years.

Nutritional yeast may be used in the following ways

  • Sprinkled over popcorn, salads or pasta similar to cheese
  • Stirred into soups
  • An alternative to cheese flavoring in vegan or vegetarian sauces, such as pasta sauce, salad dressing or dips
  • As a thickener for soups, gravies and sauces
  • It can also be used in pet food to provide extra nutrients because it’s safe for animals to consume
Side Effects of Nutritional Yeast (2)

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

References

Medscape Medical Reference

Huntington College of Health Sciences

PETA

Side Effects of Nutritional Yeast (2024)

FAQs

Side Effects of Nutritional Yeast? ›

Nutritional yeast can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with IBD. Trigger headaches or migraine attacks: Nutritional yeast may trigger migraine attacks in some individuals with migraine susceptibility because of the presence of tyramine (derived from the amino acid, tyrosine).

Is there any downside to nutritional yeast? ›

Nutritional yeast can trigger or worsen symptoms associated with IBD. Trigger headaches or migraine attacks: Nutritional yeast may trigger migraine attacks in some individuals with migraine susceptibility because of the presence of tyramine (derived from the amino acid, tyrosine).

Is it OK to eat nutritional yeast everyday? ›

It's safe to use nutritional yeast in moderation, typically up to several tablespoons (10–30 grams) per day. It would require relatively large amounts of nutritional yeast to exceed the tolerable upper intake levels (UL) for the various vitamins and minerals it contains.

What are the side effects of taking yeast supplements? ›

The most common side effects are excess gas, bloating, and migraine-like headaches. Stop taking brewer's yeast and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience chest pain, throat or chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. These side effects may indicate an allergic reaction to brewer's yeast.

Does nutritional yeast make you gassy? ›

Some research has suggested that nutritional yeast may be irritating to those with Crohn's disease and other types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). In general, adding too much fiber to your diet too quickly can cause issues like gas, bloating and cramping, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Who Cannot take nutritional yeast? ›

Researchers have recommended that individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), glaucoma, and hypertension avoid using nutritional yeast because it could make their symptoms worse. People with a yeast sensitivity or allergy should also take care to avoid any exposure to nutritional yeast.

What are the symptoms of too much yeast in your body? ›

Symptoms of candidiasis include:
  • Red patch of skin (rash) with small, raised bumps (pustules).
  • Itching.
  • Burning sensation.
  • vagin*l discharge (white or yellow).
  • White patches or sores in your mouth that cause loss of taste or pain when eating or swallowing.
  • Swelling (inflammation).

Is nutritional yeast good for the gut? ›

A type of seasoning, nutritional yeast contains nutrients like folate, vitamin B12, and fiber. Some of its potential health benefits are digestive and immune system support. Because nutritional yeast has fiber, it's a good idea not to eat a lot in a short period to avoid digestive issues like bloating.

What are the signs of yeast intolerance? ›

Some of the most common yeast allergy and yeast intolerance symptoms include:
  • Bloating.
  • Breathing difficulties.
  • Joint pain.
  • Dizziness.
  • Rashes.

Can eating nutritional yeast cause candida? ›

Although it is a form of yeast, nutritional yeast won't make bread rise. Since it's deactivated, the yeast cells are not alive and won't contribute to candida growth on your body. If you're getting candidiasis infections regularly, it's best to talk with your doctor about the cause and treatment.

Is nutritional yeast hard on the liver? ›

It's often fortified with numerous vitamins, which can be harsh on your kidneys or liver. Nutritional yeast contains high levels of glutamates (due to the manufacturing process) There are better food sources for nutrients found in nutritional yeast (ex. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products)

Who should not take yeast? ›

People who have frequent yeast infections or who are allergic to yeast should avoid brewer's yeast. People with diabetes should talk to their doctors before taking brewer's yeast because it could interact with medications for diabetes and cause low blood sugar.

Is nutritional yeast really MSG? ›

There's a reason nutritional yeast is so often compared to cheese: It contains naturally occurring MSG. “Monosodium glutamate is just the sodium version of glutamic acid,” said Christine Clark, a cheese writer and educator based in Burlington, Vt. “Glutamic acid is umami.

Is nutritional yeast bad for your kidneys? ›

For individuals with kidney disease, managing nutrient intake is essential to support kidney function and overall health. While there are many benefits of nutritional yeast, moderation is key when incorporating nutritional yeast into a kidney-friendly diet.

Why do I feel sick after eating nutritional yeast? ›

Although nutritional yeast is generally safe for most people, it may cause negative reactions in individuals who are sensitive to it. In large doses, it can cause digestive discomfort or facial flushing due to its high-fiber and niacin content, respectively.

Does nutritional yeast trigger IBS? ›

Helps Alleviate IBS

Nutritional yeast may help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome, which is one of the most common gut disorders in the U.S. A 2015 study found that nutritional yeast consumption significantly reduced abdominal pain and discomfort in people with IBS.

Is nutritional yeast bad for inflammation? ›

It is low in calories, fat-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free. Some benefits include its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, an improved immune system, management of blood sugar, and improvements in heart health.

Is nutritional yeast an ultra-processed food? ›

Whilst heat treating is a process, and it does change the way we digest it that is true of everything we cook. A lot of nutritional yeast products are fortified with B vitamins and folic accid, but fortification is different to ultraprocessing.

Is yeast bad for your gut? ›

Yeast are a critical component of the gut microbiome, contributing to a healthy intestinal environment and aiding in digestion. The gut is inhabited by far more than bacteria; it also contains viruses and fungi.

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