Brewer's yeast vs. nutritional yeast

Brewer's yeast and nutritional yeast are both forms of brewer's yeast, and both are popular supplements with good effects on human health. However, the sources and uses of both differ greatly.

Brewer's yeast

Brewer's yeast (single-celled fungus/yeast) is a by-product of beer brewing. This yeast is a living organism that feeds on the sugars in the grains which are used to make beer or bread and ferments them into carbon dioxide and ethanol. It is cultured on malted barley, which is why brewer's yeast has a characteristic bitter flavour.

Brewer's yeast can also be cultured specifically for use as a supplement. This yeast is rich in B complex vitamins, protein, chromium, and selenium. The key nutritional difference between brewer's yeast and nutritional yeast is that brewer's yeast contains the trace mineral chromium but not vitamin B-12.

Chromium is important for insulin transfer. The chromium found in brewer's yeast is known as glucose tolerance factor (GTF). In this form, our bodies are able to use this mineral to help regulate insulin, which normalises blood sugar levels. Brewer's yeast is therefore very helpful for people with elevated blood sugar, diabetics, and those with hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). Some studies have shown that the GTF chromium found in brewer's yeast is more effective than simply supplementing isolated chromium supplements.

Nutritional yeast

Nutritional yeast differs from brewer's yeast in that it was created specifically for the production of dietary supplements. The difference is that nutritional yeast is grown on sugar beet or cane sugar molasses and has a mild nutty flavour. This yeast is a quality source of niacin, folate, zinc, thiamine, and selenium. Nutritional yeast is inactivated, dried and made into a powder or flakes.

Nutritional yeast is much higher in B vitamins than brewer's yeast, a nutrient that is important for vegetarians who are more prone to vitamin B-12 deficiency. Like brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast appears to help boost the immune system while improving cholesterol levels. Fortified products high in chromium may have a similar effect on blood sugar as brewer's yeast. Nutritional yeast is also high in antioxidants, including glutathione and selenomethionine, which may help reduce oxidative stress in the body, reduce inflammation, and help eliminate heavy metals and toxins.

Brewer's yeast products are always natural and contain no added synthetic vitamins or minerals. This is a huge advantage for those who wish to avoid artificial nutrients. If you need good quality chromium to reduce sugar cravings, regulate blood sugar and treat diabetes, you need brewer's yeast for its high GTF chromium content, which is absorbed far better than other sources, including foods and supplements. If you need a B vitamin supplement, then you can prioritise nutritional yeast.