Saccharomyces cerevisiae: what are the benefits of this yeast?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae: what is it?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a natural yeast belonging to the saccharomycetaceae family.

It is one of the most widely used microorganisms in human food, and has been for thousands of years, helping to make bread, beer and wine.

Naturally present on grains, fruit or even in the air, it spontaneously colonises cereal-based preparations or fruit juices.

More specifically, this yeast is capable of fermenting sugars, producing gas in bread (which makes it rise) and alcohol in beer and wine, while contributing to the flavour.

Depending on their characteristics, different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are selected and marketed as 'baker's yeast'or 'brewer's yeast'.

A nutrient-rich yeast with increasingly well-studied effects

In addition to its role in fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains a wealth of nutrients:

• proteins
• fibre
• minerals (zinc and selenium)
• above all, vitamins from the B group (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B9) (1)

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is now attracting a great deal of interest in the field of health.

Certain specific strains are being studied for their potential beneficial effects on the body, particularly on the gastrointestinal tract.

The health benefits of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Its probiotic version S. boulardii: supporting intestinal health

Certain strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been shown to have beneficial effects on intestinal health.

This is particularly true of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, a probiotic strain widely studied for its ability to support the balance of the intestinal microbiota.

Several studies have highlighted the potential role of S. boulardii in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, fighting intestinal infections and maintaining a harmonious microbiota (2).

Discover the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii packaged in gastro-resistant capsules to maximise the survival of the yeast until it is released into the intestine.

S. cerevisiae in multi-strain probiotics: enhancing gut microbiota balance

Some food supplements also combine a classic version of S. cerevisiae with various probiotic strains to create effective, synergistic formulas.

The yeast contributes its beta-glucans (polysaccharides naturally present in the yeast cell wall), which act as potential prebiotics to support the growth of the probiotics and reinforce their efficacy.

When fermented by colon bacteria, beta-glucans are also thought to promote the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which are good for the health of the intestinal mucosa.

Discover Colon Friendly multi-strain probiotic with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bifidobacterium longum infantis, Bifidobacterium longum longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Beta-glucans: supporting the immune system

According to the latest research, beta-glucans from Saccharomyces cerevisiae are also associated with the modulation of immune responses via innate immunity receptors (3-4).

Among other things, they are thought to stimulate macrophages and dendritic cells.

S. cerevisiae food supplements with a high beta-glucan content are therefore generally appreciated by people who want to take care of their immunity.

Discover Beta 1.3/1.6 Glucan, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract standardised to 70% beta-(1,3/1,6)-glucans.

It is worth briefly noting the interesting synergies in this area: yeast is sometimes combined with Echinacea purpurea, which supports the immune system by promoting the production of cytokines (6).

Yeast and echinacea also combine very well with vitamin C, which contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system by supporting the activity of lymphocytes and the barrier function of mucous membranes.

Discover the Immunity Booster food supplement, which combines S. cerevisiae extract, organic echinacea extract, vitamin C from acerola and zinc.

B vitamins: contributing to hair health

As mentioned above, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a natural source of B-group vitamins.

In the body, these play an essential role in cell metabolism, energy production and the health of the skin, nails and hair.

Brewer's yeast, for example, is rich in vitamin B8 or biotin, which helps maintain normal hair by participating in the synthesis of keratin (the main protein making up hair) and the normal metabolism of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids), essential for the regeneration of scalp cells and hair growth (5).

This is why brewer's yeast is traditionally used as a hair care or revitalising treatment, particularly during seasonal changes or times of temporary fatigue.

Discover Brewer'sHair Boost, which contains a combination of S. cerevisiae and nutrients to support hair growth and beauty.