Yeast Extract

Negative side effects of yeast extracts

In the one study that has looked at the effects of a yeast extract on mood in healthy women [1], it was found that 250 mg of a baker's yeast extract supplement containing the active ingredients beta-glucans daily for 12 weeks resulted in no negative side effects.

More research is needed on the safety of yeast extracts.

Which active ingredients are responsible for the effects of yeast extracts on cognition and mood?

This is not yet known, and the effects on cognition and mood are also understudied. Beta-glucans, specifically, beta-1,3-glucan, and beta-1,6-glucan, appear to be involved in its effects [1].

Different active ingredients are likely to be responsible for the different effects on mood and cognitive functions that various yeast extracts might result in. There's a lack of scientific information on the cognitive and affective effects of yeast extracts.

Fun fact: Beta-glucans are also present in shiitake and lion's mane mushrooms?

How does yeast extract work to enhance cognitive performance?

It is not known whether yeast extracts can enhance cognitive performance, but if it does, it likely does so by improving the functioning of the immune system [2].

The neuropsychopharmacological effects of yeast extract have not yet fully been discovered by researchers.

Should you use yeast extracts?

One thing that is certain about the effects of yeast extracts is that we know relatively little about them. There is a lack of high-quality research, especially in healthy humans.

Because of the lack of research on yeast extracts, we never recommend that people use it.

If you have already decided to use it, here are some guidelines to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks.

What time of day should you take yeast extracts?

There is no data on what the optimal time of day for the use of yeast extracts is. There is no evidence that yeast extracts impair sleep if taken before bed-time, or that it should not be taken in the morning. Self-experimentation is the only way to find out.

How much and how often should you use yeast extracts?

People tend to use between 250mg and 500mg, but there's a lack of good scientific information on how much should be consumed. The optimal dose likely varies depending on which form of yeast extract is used, and which active ingredients are present in which amounts in the product.