UPC: 733739024206
# N2420
Genuine Whole-Food Superfood

NOW Foods Brewer’s Yeast Powder (1 lb) — Debittered, Unfortified Superfood

Looking for an authentic, whole-food source of energy-boosting B-vitamins, plant-based protein, and gut-soothing prebiotic fiber? NOW® Brewer’s Yeast Powder (Item #N2420, UPC: 733739024206) delivers pure, inactive Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultured naturally from malted barley and wheat during the brewing process.

Unlike synthetic vitamin isolates, this debittered brewer’s yeast powder preserves the natural nutrient matrix found in genuine whole foods. It has been roller-dried and carefully debittered to remove the natural harsh, hop-derived bitterness while keeping its rich amino acid profile, bioavailable chromium, and cellular cofactors completely intact.

7 Grams Natural Protein Per Serving
5 Grams Prebiotic Dietary Fiber (18% DV)
100% Inactive No Live Fermentation or Bloating
Debittered Smooth, Mild Nutty Flavor

Complete Nutrition Facts & Official Ingredient Listing

We believe in complete label transparency. Below is the verified nutritional breakdown and allergen profile for NOW® Brewer’s Yeast Powder (1 lb / 454 g), cross-referenced directly against official manufacturer production standards.

Nutrition Facts About 28 servings per container Serving size: 2 tablespoons (approx. 16g) Amount per serving
Calories 60 % Daily Value* Total Fat 0.5g < 1% Saturated Fat 0g 0% Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 10mg < 1% Total Carbohydrate 7g 3% Dietary Fiber 5g 18% Total Sugars 0g Includes 0g Added Sugars 0% Protein 7g 14% Vitamin D 0mcg 0% Calcium 46mg 4% Iron 2mg 10% Potassium 291mg 6%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Official Ingredients:

Brewer’s Yeast (dried, inactive).

Allergen Notice:

CONTAINS WHEAT. Brewer’s yeast is derived from malted barley and wheat. Not manufactured with soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nut, or sesame ingredients. Produced in a certified GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Science-Backed Health Benefits: How It Works in Your Body

Brewer’s yeast has been valued for generations, but modern nutritional biochemistry reveals exactly why this whole-food yeast is so effective. Here is what the clinical literature demonstrates regarding its physiological mechanisms:

1. Natural B-Complex Energy Metabolism (Without the “Jitters”)

Brewer’s yeast contains naturally occurring Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), and Folate (B9). These micronutrients act as essential cofactors in your cellular power plants (mitochondria), helping convert carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the body’s primary energy currency. Because these vitamins exist inside a whole-food matrix with proteins and trace minerals, your body absorbs and utilizes them smoothly without the digestive flush associated with synthetic vitamins.

2. Blood Sugar Balance & Chromium Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF)

Brewer’s yeast is nature’s richest organic source of biologically active trivalent chromium, biologically configured as Glucose Tolerance Factor (GTF). Clinical research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition (Anderson, 1997) and the Saudi Medical Journal (Bahijri et al., 2013) demonstrated that GTF chromium acts like a molecular bridge, significantly improving insulin receptor sensitivity on cell membranes. This helps transport circulating glucose into muscle and brain cells more effectively, minimizing mid-afternoon energy crashes and sugar cravings.

3. Prebiotic Gut Defense: Beta-1,3/1,6-Glucans and Mannans

Scientific Clarity: Many websites incorrectly label brewer’s yeast powder as a “probiotic.” Because this product is roller-dried and pasteurized, it contains inactive yeast (no live cultures). However, it provides powerful prebiotic fibers. The structural cell walls of S. cerevisiae are loaded with Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucans and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS). As shown in Nutrition Journal (Stier et al., 2014), yeast beta-glucans nourish beneficial gut bacteria (like Bifidobacteria) and gently bind to dectin-1 receptors on gut-lining immune cells to prime your immune defenses.

4. Lactation & Breast Milk Supply for Nursing Mothers

Brewer’s yeast is celebrated by lactation consultants and postpartum doulas as a premier traditional galactagogue (milk-support food). As highlighted in clinical reviews from the Journal of Human Lactation (Bazzano et al., 2016), brewer’s yeast provides a unique synergy of plant phytoestrogens, iron (2 mg per serving), and B-vitamins that help replenish postpartum nutrient depletion while supporting prolactin signaling for healthy milk volume.

5. Pet Coat Health & Natural Flea Deterrence for Dogs and Cats

Veterinarians and pet nutritionists frequently recommend brewer’s yeast powder as a food topper for dogs and cats. The rich concentration of sulfur-bearing amino acids, zinc, and biotin nourishes the canine and feline dermal layer, reducing shedding, dry skin, and dandruff. Furthermore, the natural sulfur metabolites excreted through the skin create a subtle scent that fleas and ticks dislike, offering an unmedicated, food-grade deterrent.

Brewer’s Yeast vs. Nutritional Yeast vs. Baker’s Yeast

Not all yeast is created equal! Many shoppers confuse brewer’s yeast with nutritional yeast or active baker’s yeast. Here is a side-by-side comparison to clarify the differences:

Feature NOW® Brewer’s Yeast Powder Nutritional Yeast (Nooch) Active Baker’s / Brewer’s Yeast
Growth Medium Brewing co-product on malted barley & wheat Sugar cane or beet molasses Grain or molasses cultures
Viability (Live vs. Inactive) 100% Inactive (roller-dried) 100% Inactive (heat-killed) Live Active Cells
Primary Mineral Advantage Exceptionally high in bioavailable Chromium (GTF) Often fortified with synthetic B12 & folic acid None (used for dough leavening)
Taste Profile Toasty, earthy, mildly nutty (debittered) Cheesy, savory, umami flavor Bitter, sour, pungent
Digestive Safety Cannot ferment or expand in gut Cannot ferment or expand in gut Can cause severe gas, bloating, and deplete B-vitamins if eaten raw

NOW Foods Lab Testing: Strict Heavy Metal & Contaminant Controls

Because brewer’s yeast is derived from agricultural grains, natural soils can introduce heavy metal contaminants if materials are not properly analyzed. NOW Foods maintains one of the most advanced, privately owned quality control infrastructures in the nutritional supplement industry.

How NOW Ensures Every Batch Is Clean:

✓ ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited ✓ ICP-MS Heavy Metal Verified ✓ PCR Microbial Screened ✓ Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certified

Safety, Medical Contraindications & Drug Interactions

Because health and wellness decisions require high medical responsibility, you should be aware of known drug interactions and medical contraindications before adding brewer’s yeast to your routine:

⚠ MAOI Antidepressants (High Blood Pressure Crisis Risk)

Brewer’s yeast naturally contains tyramine, an amino acid derivative that regulates blood pressure. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)—such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)—block the enzyme that breaks down tyramine. Ingesting brewer’s yeast while taking MAOIs can lead to a dangerous, rapid spike in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). Do not use brewer’s yeast if you take an MAOI antidepressant.

⚠ Blood Sugar Medications (Hypoglycemia Risk)

Because brewer’s yeast is rich in bioavailable chromium, it can naturally lower fasting blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity. If you are taking prescription medications for diabetes (such as insulin, metformin, or glipizide), consult your physician to monitor your glucose levels and prevent unexpected hypoglycemia.

⚠ Crohn’s Disease, Gout, and Celiac Disease

How to Use Brewer’s Yeast Powder: Serving Ideas & Recipes

Because NOW® has roller-dried and debittered this powder, it integrates smoothly into everyday foods without overpowering your recipes:

Suggested Usage & Daily Serving:

Recommended Intake: Take 2 tablespoons (approx. 16 g) daily. If you are brand-new to high-fiber yeast supplements, begin with 1 teaspoon daily for the first few days and gradually increase to the full 2-tablespoon serving to allow your digestive tract to adjust comfortably.

Storage Instructions: Store in a cool, dry place after opening. Seal the lid tightly to protect its naturally occurring B-vitamins from moisture and humidity.

✓ Famous Postpartum Lactation Cookies

Whisk 2 to 4 tablespoons of brewer’s yeast powder into your favorite oatmeal chocolate-chip cookie batter alongside ground flaxseed and coconut oil for a nourishing lactation snack.

✓ Morning Smoothies & Oatmeal

Blend 1 to 2 tablespoons into a banana, almond butter, and cocoa smoothie, or stir directly into warm morning oatmeal with cinnamon and maple syrup to mask the earthy undertone completely.

✓ Savory Soups, Stews & Gravies

Whisk a spoonful into vegetable broths, chili, homemade gravies, or pasta sauces. The natural glutamic acid content adds rich depth and body while bolstering overall protein content.

✓ Homemade Pet Food Enhancer

Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon for small dogs/cats or 1 to 2 teaspoons for large dogs over dry or wet kibble to support coat luster, soothe seasonal itching, and naturally deter fleas.

Why Buy from VitaNet, LLC? Family-Owned Integrity Since 1995

When you purchase vitamins and dietary supplements, source authenticity matters just as much as lab testing. At VitaNet, LLC, we have operated as an independent, family-owned nutritional wellness business based in Hartville, Ohio since 1995[cite: 1].

Scientific Citations & Clinical References

Our content is rigorously researched and cross-referenced with peer-reviewed medical and nutritional literature:

  1. Anderson, R. A. (1997). “Nutritional factors influencing the glucose/insulin system: Chromium.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 16(5), 404-410. PMID: 9322187.
  2. Bahijri, S. M., et al. (2013). “The effects of brewer’s yeast on glucose tolerance and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus.” Saudi Medical Journal, 34(10), 1007-1013. PMID: 24145934.
  3. Stier, H., Ebbeskotte, V., & Gruenwald, J. (2014). “Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan.” Nutrition Journal, 13, 38. DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-38.
  4. Bazzano, A. N., et al. (2016). “A Review of Herbal and Dietary Galactagogues for Breastfeeding Mothers.” Journal of Human Lactation, 33(4), 748-755. DOI: 10.1177/0890334416669041.
  5. Blackwell, B., & Marley, E. (1966). “Interactions of cheese and of its constituents with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.” British Journal of Pharmacology, 26(1), 120-141. (Clinical documentation of tyramine hypertensive risk).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does brewer’s yeast powder cause yeast infections (Candida)?

No. Brewer’s yeast powder consists of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that has been thoroughly roller-dried and inactivated. Because the yeast cells are non-living, they cannot reproduce, colonize the human body, or cause Candida albicans yeast infections. However, individuals with diagnosed yeast allergies or active Crohn’s disease should consult their doctor before use.

Why is this brewer’s yeast labeled “debittered”?

Raw brewer’s yeast is a natural co-product of beer manufacturing and naturally absorbs bitter hop resins (isohumulones). NOW® utilizes a gentle washing and roller-drying process that removes these harsh bitter compounds while protecting the delicate B-vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The result is a pleasant, mild, toasted nutty flavor that blends easily into smoothies, oatmeal, and baked goods.

How does brewer’s yeast help breastfeeding mothers increase milk supply?

Brewer’s yeast is rich in plant-derived phytoestrogens, iron, protein, and B-complex vitamins. Postpartum fatigue and nutritional deficits can suppress lactation hormones. The rich nutrient profile in brewer’s yeast supports maternal energy and hormonal balance, helping stimulate prolactin release and boosting milk production.

Is this brewer’s yeast powder gluten-free?

No. Because this brewer’s yeast is cultured on malted barley and wheat during the beer brewing process, it carries trace amounts of gluten. The official packaging states “CONTAINS WHEAT.” Anyone with celiac disease or severe wheat/gluten allergies should avoid brewer’s yeast and choose certified gluten-free nutritional yeast instead.

Can I give NOW Brewer’s Yeast Powder to my dog or cat?

Yes! Brewer’s yeast is widely used as a nutritional pet supplement. Its natural sulfur-containing amino acids and B-vitamins promote a thick, glossy coat and reduce dry, itchy skin. Furthermore, its natural aroma deters fleas and ticks without synthetic chemicals. For dogs, sprinkle 1/2 to 2 teaspoons daily over food; for cats, use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon daily.

Can I use this brewer’s yeast powder to bake bread or brew beer?

No. NOW® Brewer’s Yeast Powder is an inactive nutritional supplement. The yeast cells have been heat-pasteurized and roller-dried, meaning they will not generate carbon dioxide, leaven bread dough, or ferment alcohol. It is strictly meant for nutritional consumption.

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