Enhancement of resistance to infectious diseases by oral administration of brewer's yeast.

The effect of oral administration of brewer's yeast on resistance to infectious diseases was studied in laboratory animals. It was shown that there was a significantly increased enhancement of resistance to seasonal respiratory and enteric infections in rhesus monkeys. Similarly, enhanced resistance to experimental chronic infections was observed in mice after yeast administration. A 2-week lag occurred between the initiation of yeast treatment and the expression of enhanced resistance. Study of the mechanism of the yeast-induced enhancement of resistance to infection leads to the conclusion that it is based on in vivo stimulation of phagocytosis, as measured by the "phagocytic index." No effect of brewer's yeast on circulating antibody levels was detected.