Brewers Yeast

Brewers Yeast

Brewer’s Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)

Botanical Description

  • Family: Saccharomycetaceae (Yeast family)
  • Common Names: Brewer’s Yeast, Nutritional Yeast, Saccharomyces Yeast
  • Parts Used: Dried, inactive yeast cells

Brewer’s yeast is a single-celled fungus used primarily in fermentation processes for making beer, bread, and other fermented foods. It is a rich source of B vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, making it highly valuable in human and animal nutrition.

Constituents

  • B Vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12) – Support energy, nerve function, and metabolism.
  • Minerals (Selenium, Chromium, Zinc, Magnesium, Potassium) – Essential for immune and metabolic health.
  • Amino Acids & Protein (around 50% protein content) – Supports muscle repair and immune function.
  • Beta-glucans – Help boost immunity and gut health.
  • Probiotics & Prebiotics – Support digestive health and beneficial gut bacteria.

Traditional & Medicinal Uses

Brewer’s yeast has been used for centuries as a nutritional supplement, digestive aid, and immune booster. It has been incorporated into European and herbal veterinary medicine due to its high nutrient profile.

General Medicinal Actions

  • Digestive Support – Aids gut flora and digestion.
  • Immune Booster – Supports resistance to infections.
  • Energy & Metabolism Enhancer – Helps fatigue and nutrient absorption.
  • Skin & Coat Health – Improves hair, skin, and hoof/coat condition.
  • Stress Reduction – B vitamins help with nervous system health.

Equine Use of Brewer’s Yeast

Benefits for Horses

Brewer’s yeast is widely used in equine nutrition, particularly for gut health, coat condition, and metabolic support.

  1. Digestive Health – Supports hindgut fermentation, helping horses with ulcers, colic, or digestive upset.
  2. Immune System Support – Strengthens resistance to infections and improves overall health.
  3. Calming Effects – B vitamins help reduce stress and anxiety in nervous horses.
  4. Coat & Hoof Health – Improves mane, tail, and hooves, especially for horses with poor coat condition.
  5. Supports Weight Gain & Muscle Development – Helps hard keepers maintain body condition.

Precautions

  • Introduce gradually to avoid digestive upset.
  • Not suitable for horses with yeast sensitivities.
  • May interact with medications (e.g., antifungals or immunosuppressants).

Canine Use of Brewer’s Yeast

Benefits for Dogs

Brewer’s yeast is popular in canine nutrition due to its immune-boosting, anti-parasitic, and coat-enhancing properties.

  1. Supports Digestive & Gut Health – Acts as a prebiotic, helping good bacteria thrive.
  2. Boosts Immunity – Helps fight infections and reduces allergy symptoms.
  3. Improves Skin & Coat – Reduces dry skin, dandruff, and excessive shedding.
  4. Repels Fleas & Ticks – When fed regularly, it is believed to make dogs less attractive to parasites.
  5. Promotes Energy & Metabolism – Aids senior dogs, active breeds, or those recovering from illness.

Precautions

  • Introduce slowly to monitor for gas or bloating.
  • Not suitable for dogs with yeast allergies or chronic yeast infections (e.g., ear infections, yeast overgrowth).
  • Can interact with antifungal medications.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Brewer’s Yeast

Brewer’s yeast, as a byproduct of beer brewing, has a long history in British and Manx folklore, tied to brewing, health, and even supernatural beliefs.

UK Folklore

  • Beer as Medicine – In medieval England, beer was considered a "liquid food", and brewer’s yeast was thought to promote longevity.
  • Protection Against Evil Spirits – Brewers would sometimes offer beer to household spirits (such as the Brownie or Hobgoblin) to ensure good luck.
  • Folk Remedy for Wounds & Skin Conditions – A paste of brewer’s yeast was applied to boils, wounds, and rashes to help healing.

Isle of Man Folklore

  • "Blessing the Brew" – In Manx brewing traditions, people would bless the yeast before fermenting beer, believing it brought luck and good harvests.
  • Offering Ale to the Fairies – In the Isle of Man, beer was left out for the "Little People" (fairies) to prevent mischief. Since yeast was crucial for brewing, it was considered a magical and sacred ingredient.
  • Yeast & Healing – Old Manx herbalists recommended drinking small amounts of yeast-fermented drinks for "stomach troubles and weakness".

Conclusion

Brewer’s yeast is a highly nutritious supplement, beneficial for gut health, immunity, and skin/coat condition in horses and dogs. Though not a native herb, it has a strong connection to UK and Isle of Man brewing traditions, where it was linked to luck, health, and protection from spirits.

Coat and skin

Digestion

Boswellia Serrata Burdock Root