Does brewer's yeast support breastfeeding?

Brewer's yeast is an ingredient used in the production of beer and bread. It is made from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a single-celled fungus. 

This is why beer has a reputation for having a galactagogue effect! Drink it alcohol-free or limit yourself to no more than one beer, following good practice guidelines. To find out more, see our article onalcohol and breastfeeding.

An alternative to drinking beer may be brewer's yeast itself. 

Brewer's yeast helps to boost lactation. A study showed that twice as many women experienced a boost in lactation when taking brewer's yeast compared to those who did not [1]. This is why some mothers consider it the best breastfeeding supplement.
 

Its benefits are thought to be due to barley malt, which contains a compound called β-glucan that helps increase levels of the hormone prolactin, the hormone involved in milk production [2]. Oats also contain β-glucan.

Our breastfeeding cookies, Milk cookies, contain brewer's yeast and oats!

To find out more, you can read our article on galactagogue foods.

Brewer's yeast contains many vitamins and minerals that can be of great interest for new mothers.
 

Brewer's yeast is rich in nutrients

It is rich in B vitamins, which are beneficial for combating fatigue and fighting mommy brain. 
 

It is also rich in chromium, proteins, selenium, potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium — a real nutrient powerhouse!
 

It is beneficial for digestion

Brewer's yeast may be beneficial for improving gastrointestinal symptoms. Studies show that its consumption may help reduce abdominal pain, bloating, and stool consistency [3]. 

Brewer's yeast has probiotic properties that are beneficial for the gut. 

Chromium is beneficial for blood sugar levels

Brewer's yeast contains organic chromium, which is biologically active. Chromium is beneficial for glucose regulation; people with type 2 diabetes have lower chromium levels in the body [4]. One study showed, for example, that consuming brewer's yeast in cases of diabetes was beneficial for improving blood sugar levels. 
 

It is beneficial for hair growth

Brewer's yeast is rich in nutrients, in particular iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which may be beneficial for hair growth. 

For example, biotin (vitamin B8) contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, as it regulates protein expression, including that of keratin [5]. The role of folate and vitamin B12 in the production of nucleic acids for DNA suggests they may play a part in hair follicle proliferation [6].

It can be taken alongside our capsule for hair growth. 

To find out more on the subject, have a look at our article postpartum hair loss.

Brewer's yeast is not only beneficial for boosting lactation — its benefits don't stop there. It's a powerhouse of nutrients for breastfeeding, and is also beneficial for digestion, blood sugar levels, and postpartum hair loss! Mama, brewer's yeast will be your ally after giving birth.

And if you're looking for an alternative, the fenugreek as a supplement with our Banana choc snacks, or moringa with the Moringa Mama capsules.