Brewer's yeast is a rich source of minerals -- particularly chromium, an essential trace mineral that helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels; selenium; protein; and the B-complex vitamins.

It tastes bitter and should not be confused with baker's yeast, nutritional yeast, or torula yeast; all those types of yeast are low in chromium.

Brewer's yeast has been used for years as a nutritional supplement.

Brewer's yeast is often used as a source of B-complex vitamins, chromium, and selenium.

The B-complex vitamins in brewer's yeast include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and H or B7 (biotin).

These vitamins help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which provide the body with energy.

They also support the nervous system, help maintain the muscles used for digestion, and keep skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver healthy.