Brewers Yeast Safety & Breastfeeding
Brewer's yeast, or saccharomyces cerevisiae, is a single-celled fungus used in beer. Traditionally, it is used to enhance a breastfeeding mothers' milk supply.
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A Tradition
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Brewer's yeast (and beer containing it) is an ancient remedy for low milk supply. Renowned lactation expert Dr. Jack Newman says that the tradition originated in Northern Europe.
Composition
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Edible yeast products such as brewer's yeast contain respectable quantities of most B-vitamins, as well as trace minerals such as chromium and selenium.
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Breastmilk Transfer
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Only extremely small amounts of supplements and medications are actually passed into breastmilk and absorbed by the child. A mother's use of brewer's yeast is very unlikely to have any effect on the baby.
Side Effects
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When side effects occur for a mother taking brewer's yeast, they are usually very mild and may include gas or bloating. A very sensitive breastfed baby may also experience gas.
Interactions
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Brewer's yeast can interact with diabetes medications, MAOIs, and the pain reliever Demerol. Nursing mothers who are taking these medications should consult a physician before using brewer's yeast.
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