I understand that brewers yeast is helpful in increasing the production of breastmilk. Is this true? Friends have made claims that there has been a significant increase of milk. I know the brewers yeast is not harmful, but is it helpful from a scientific point of view?
Brewer's yeast, the same yeast that is used in the brewing of beer, is considered to be a good food supplement for people who are stressed. It is high in protein, iron and rich in B vitamins, along with various minerals and trace elements.
Many years ago it was commonly recommended that nursing mothers who suspected they had a low milk supply try adding brewer's yeast to their daily diet. Often mothers have reported that this has helped their milk supply and increased their energy level.
The traditional American diet is low in B vitamins. Though most nutrients in human milk are not affected by a mother's diet, B6 and B12 can be present in low concentrations if the mother is chronically deficient.
If you do decide to try brewer's yeast, it is often recommended to start out with one tablespoon of the powder each day. It can be mixed into tomato juice to help make it more palatable. If your baby becomes fussy from the addition of this supplement (as sometimes happens), you could try incorporating some of these foods that are rich in B vitamins into your diet: beef, pork, tuna, chicken, milk, eggs, whole grains, beans, peanuts, bananas and dark green leafy vegetables.
And last, but definitely not least, if you truly do have a problem with an insufficient milk supply, get help. Consult with an IBCLC in your area, so you can get to the root of the problem and begin to correct it. Best wishes in mothering!
