Description

Yeast and yeast extracts are high in purines and can trigger gout attacks in susceptible individuals. Yeast, whether active or inactive, contains significant amounts of purines, which are broken down into uric acid during digestion. Yeast extracts, commonly used as flavor enhancers in many processed foods, are particularly concentrated sources of purines. Products like nutritional yeast, brewer's yeast, and marmite are examples of high-purine yeast products. The mechanism by which yeast extracts increase gout risk is similar to other high-purine foods, with the rapid breakdown of purines leading to elevated uric acid levels. A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology found that dietary yeast intake was associated with an increased risk of gout flares [1]. Another review in the Journal of Advanced Research highlighted yeast and yeast extracts as significant dietary sources of purines that should be limited in gout management [2]. While yeast extracts can be nutritious, providing B vitamins and protein, individuals with gout or at high risk of gout are often advised to limit their consumption.