Yeast Extract

Other names Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, Nutritional Yeast, Brewer’s Yeast, Baker's Yeast

Yeast Extract

Yeast extract is used by some to improve mood, energy, and focus. But is it effective? Read on to find out what the science says.

This nootropic has no healthy human placebo-controlled studies that meet our inclusion criteria. Negative side effects can occur if used carelessly, so make sure you’re aware of the risks of Yeast Extract.

Benefits

Read about the effects of Yeast Extract in relation to the amount of evidence we've found

Why do people use yeast extract?

People who self-experiment with yeast extract often state they use it to improve their:

  • Mood
  • Energy
  • Focus
  • Memory

There is a lack of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of yeast extract for any of these purposes, especially in healthy humans.

Can yeast extract improve your mood?

There's a lack of scientific data on the efficacy of yeast extract in healthy people for any purpose relating to cognitive- or mood-enhancement.

There's only one study that has looked at the effects of a yeast extract on the mood of healthy (stressed) women [1].

Thirty-nine healthy women received 250 mg of a baker's yeast extract supplement containing the active ingredients beta-glucans daily for 12 weeks. By the end of the study period, the women who had received the yeast extract had improved mood compared with the women who had taken a placebo. Vigor scores improved by 41% and global mood state scores by 29% from baseline to week 12.

However, this one study is not enough for any valid conclusions to be made with confidence as regards the efficacy of yeast extracts for enhancement of mood.

Risks

The legality and side effects of Yeast Extract

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Yeast Extract

Studies

Studies conducted on the effects of Yeast Extract in healthy humans

Last updated Saturday, June 10, 2023