Brewer's Yeast for Hypertension Control
There is insufficient evidence to recommend brewer's yeast as a treatment for hypertension, and it should be avoided in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa where it may trigger disease flares.
Evidence from Research Studies
A 2005 study demonstrated that brewer's yeast extract (BY-G) and its peptide components showed blood pressure-lowering effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) 1. The active peptides (alanyl-phenylalanine and glycyl-phenylalanine) achieved approximately 60% of the potency of captopril, an ACE-inhibitor drug, in this animal model 1.
A more recent 2022 study evaluated protein hydrolysates from brewers' spent yeast (BSY) after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, intestinal absorption, and liver metabolism 2. The final BSY protein hydrolysates demonstrated ACE-inhibitory capacity comparable to captopril (1 µM) in vitro 2.
Critical Limitations and Clinical Context
Animal Models Only
Both studies demonstrating antihypertensive effects were conducted either in animal models or in vitro cell systems, not in humans with hypertension 1, 2. No randomized controlled trials in hypertensive patients exist to support clinical use.
Potential Harm in Specific Populations
A 2019 guideline from the American Academy of Dermatology specifically warns that brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) may trigger disease recurrence in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa 3. In a small study of 12 subjects who avoided brewer's yeast after surgery, all reported symptom recurrence only after consuming brewer's yeast again 3.
Absence from Clinical Guidelines
Brewer's yeast is completely absent from all major hypertension guidelines, including:
- The 2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA Heart Failure Guidelines 3
- The 2016 AHA Scientific Statement on Hypertension Management 3
- The 2013 ESH/ESC Hypertension Guidelines 3
- The 2018 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines 3
Evidence-Based Alternatives That Should Be Used Instead
For patients seeking dietary interventions for hypertension, the following have Class I evidence:
- DASH diet: Reduces systolic BP by 8-14 mm Hg in hypertensives 4
- Sodium restriction (<2,300 mg/day): Reduces systolic BP by 2-8 mm Hg 4
- Weight loss: Approximately 5-20 mm Hg reduction per 10 kg lost 4
- Potassium supplementation: Reduces BP by 4-5 mm Hg 4
- Structured exercise: 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity activity reduces systolic BP by 5-8 mm Hg 4
For pharmacologic treatment, first-line agents include:
- ACE inhibitors 3
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) 3
- Thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics 3
- Calcium channel blockers 3
Clinical Bottom Line
While brewer's yeast peptides show ACE-inhibitory activity in laboratory settings, this does not translate to clinical recommendations 1, 2. The lack of human trials, absence from all clinical guidelines, and potential for harm in specific patient populations (hidradenitis suppurativa) make it inappropriate for hypertension management 3. Direct patients instead toward evidence-based lifestyle modifications with proven mortality and morbidity benefits, particularly the DASH diet, sodium restriction, and weight loss 4.