Can Brewer’s Yeast Help Your Milk Supply?

Brewer’s yeast is an inactive yeast, usually from the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, traditionally used in brewing and baking. It’s naturally rich in B vitamins, protein, chromium, iron and trace minerals that support energy, mood and overall postpartum recovery.

What is a galactagogue?
A galactagogue is any food, herb or medicine used to support breast milk production and flow. Many breastfeeding mums turn to natural galactagogues like oats, fennel, fenugreek and brewer’s yeast alongside frequent, effective feeding, to support milk flow and supply.

Brewer’s yeast has been used for generations as a traditional galactagogue to help support breast milk production. Its nutrient profile is thought to help support prolactin (the milk‑making hormone) and general hormonal balance, both important for establishing and maintaining supply.

Currently there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from breastfeeding mums, but only limited clinical research specifically proving brewer’s yeast increases milk volume. This means it can be a useful part of a wider breastfeeding toolkit, but it isn’t a guaranteed “magic bullet”, and feeding on demand, hydration, and an effective latch, are still the most effective ways to support lactation. 

Nutritional benefits of Brewer's yeast
Brewer’s yeast is naturally high in B‑complex vitamins, which play a key role in energy production and nervous system function.  It also contains protein, iron and trace minerals that support recovery after birth, helping your body repair tissue and replenish nutrient stores used in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Mood, stress and milk flow
Stress and exhaustion can negatively affect let‑down and how easily milk flows, even when supply is actually adequate. It is important to consume nutrient dense calories through a balanced diet that supports the nervous system and energy levels, which can in turn support more comfortable milk flow.

Immune and blood sugar support
Brewer’s yeast contains beta‑glucans, natural compounds that can help support the immune system, crucial in the postpartum period, when broken sleep and constant feeding can leave you feeling run down.

Brewer's yeast also naturally provides chromium, a mineral involved in blood sugar regulation, which can support more stable energy rather than big peaks and crashes.

Breastfeeding mums can enjoy brewer’s yeast in:

• Lactation biscuits or flapjacks
• Smoothies with oats, banana and nut butter
• Hot chocolate, such as our Go With The Flow lactation support hot chocolate.

Because the flavour can be slightly bitter or “malty”, pairing it with cocoa, oats or nut butters works beautifully and turns a functional ingredient into a delicious daily ritual.

Safety, dosage and who should avoid it
Brewer’s yeast is generally considered safe for most breastfeeding women when used in food‑like amounts, but it isn’t right for everyone. Anyone with yeast or gluten allergies should avoid it.

Those with inflammatory bowel disease, recurrent thrush or on certain medications (for example some antidepressants or diabetes medications) should check with a healthcare professional before using it.

We would suggest starting with a small amount and building up slowly, watching for any digestive discomfort, headaches or skin changes, and stop if anything feels off.

Natural ways to support breastfeeding

Brewer’s yeast works best as a piece of a wider breastfeeding puzzle, for mums looking support milk flow and supply.

Other natural ways to support breastfeeding include:

• Responsive, on‑cue feeding and good latch support
• Skin‑to‑skin contact to stimulate hormones that support milk production
• Rest, hydration and nutrient‑dense meals and snacks

A nourishing cup of breastfeeding hot chocolate, tea or snack can become a small, soothing ritual in your day – a moment that supports milk flow, supply and your own wellbeing whilst you nourish your baby.