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What Helps to Increase Lactation with Brewer's Yeast?

Brewer's yeast has been used as a lactation supplement for centuries in many countries. Today, it can be purchased in a capsule form like a vitamin, or in a powdered form that can be added to baked goods and smoothies. While some mothers report an increased amount of gassiness in their infants when using brewer's yeast and a greater incidence of yeast infections, they also report a marked increase in lactation. Though the exact element of brewer's yeast that appears to increase breast milk supply is unknown, lactation consultants such as Kelly Bonyata largely attribute it to the vitamins and essential nutrients found in the yeast. The effectiveness of brewer's yeast on lactation, if any, has yet to be proved scientifically.

  1. B Vitamins

    • A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that the leading cause of low lactation was inadequate nutrition. Brewer's yeast provides a nursing mother with a number of essential nutrients. The most prominent nutrients in the yeast are from the vitamin B family and include riboflavin, thiamine, pantothenic acid, niacin, folic acid, biotin, pyridoxine and in some cases B12.

    Protein

    • About 40 percent of brewer's yeast is made up of complete proteins. For every 1 tablespoon of brewer's yeast there are 8 grams of protein. Proteins are rich in amino acids that are essential to growth and development. Proteins are an essential component of breast milk and the presence of complete proteins in brewer's yeast may contribute to an increase in production, or improvement of quality in milk.

    Dietary Minerals

    • Brewer's yeast is also a valuable source of dietary minerals essential to a mother's health and milk production. Brewer's yeast contains significant amounts of selenium, chromium, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, potassium and sodium. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these minerals aid the mother in regulating blood sugar and insulin production.

    Dosage

    • The exact dosage of brewer's yeast depends on brand and supplemental ingredients. Kelly Bonyata, lactation consultant and mother, recommends taking three to five caplets three times a day, or 1 ½ to 2 ½ tablespoons of powder three times a day. Take brewer's yeast with a meal to minimize the gas-related side effects.

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