Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast-Based Supplementation as a Galactagogue in Breastfeeding Women? A Review of Evidence from Animal and Human Studies.

Lili Lily Jia,Janet Louise Weber,Louise Brough

doi:10.3390/nu13030727

Abstract

Perceived insufficient milk production (PIM) adversely affects breastfeeding duration. Women sometimes use galactagogues with the intent to increase breast milk production and support lactation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-based supplement (SCYS) is an inactive form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SCY) either obtained from the fermentation process or grown on molasses. Anecdotal evidence suggests SCYS is a galactagogue. SCYS is promoted on the internet as a galactagogue in various forms and doses. Dietary supplementation with SCYS during gestation and lactation significantly increases milk yield in ruminants. No human study has evaluated efficacy of SCYS as a galactagogue. SCYS is rich in B vitamins, beta-glucan, mannan oligosaccharides and bioavailable chromium; these may impact breast milk production or composition, thus may alleviate PIM. The safety of taking SCYS during lactation is not well studied. Studies have reported contamination of SCYS with ochratoxin A (OTA) as well as minor side effects from SCYS. Studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of SCYS on breast milk production and composition and to assess the safety of taking SCYS during lactation in humans.

Highlights

This review aims to evaluate evidence of the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-based supplement (SCYS) on milk production in other mammals, to propose possible mechanisms that human milk production could be influenced, and to review the safety of using SCYS during lactation
We reviewed studies on supplementation of lactating animals using SCYS and yeast cell wall products (YCWPs)
The nutrient contents vary in strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SCY) and batches of SCYS products [43]. This could increase the risk of nicotinic acid and folic acid intake approaching the upper level (UL) if women regularly consume a high dose of SCYS (i.e., 30 g/day as the highest dose recommended in Table 3) and take multivitamins or B vitamins supplements at the same time

Summary

Introduction

Perceived insufficient milk production (PIM) is a worldwide problem affecting breastfeeding duration [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Lactation problems or difficulties with positioning and latching may decrease stimulation of the breast or decrease milk removal, which adversely influences milk production [8]. Maternal diet has limited impact on breast milk production. Maternal body composition and maternal energy intake are not associated with breast milk volume [9]. Food supplementation to address malnutrition or maternal energy restriction has little effect on milk volume [10,11]. Maternal intake of some nutrients influences their respective concentration in breast milk [12,13]

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