# Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/saccharomyces-cerevisiae-ufmg-a-1009
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-03
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fermented/Probiotic
**Also Known As:** UFMG A-1009, S. cerevisiae UFMG A-1009, Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain A-1009, UFMG A-1009 yeast strain, Brazilian yeast strain A-1009, Live yeast probiotic UFMG A-1009

## Overview

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 is a [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) yeast strain whose [beta-glucan](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s and cell wall components modulate immune responses by interacting with pattern recognition receptors such as Dectin-1 and TLRs. Preclinical research indicates it suppresses Th2-driven inflammation in asthma models and attenuates intestinal inflammation in colitis models by downregulating [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce airway [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) in asthma models (preclinical evidence only - reduced bronchial hyperresponsiveness and Th2 cytokines in mice)
• Potentially improves inflammatory bowel conditions (preclinical evidence only - improved clinical scores and reduced inflammation in DSS-induced colitis mice, PMID: 26322540)
• Could attenuate food allergy reactions (preclinical evidence only - reduced tissue injury and myeloperoxidase activity in ovalbumin-challenged mice, PMID: 32264688)
• May protect against chemotherapy-induced intestinal damage (preclinical evidence only - reduced irinotecan-induced mucositis in mice, PMID: 27133563)
• Possible [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects via gut-lung axis (preclinical evidence only - increased regulatory T cells and dendritic cells in murine models)

## Mechanism of Action

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 cell wall beta-1,3/1,6-glucans and mannoproteins bind Dectin-1 and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on dendritic cells and macrophages, promoting regulatory immune signaling that suppresses Th2 cytokine production including IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. In gut models, this interaction activates NF-κB regulatory pathways that reduce secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, helping restore intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. The strain may also shift gut microbiota composition toward beneficial taxa, indirectly dampening [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cascades through short-chain fatty acid production.

## Clinical Summary

Evidence for Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 is currently limited to preclinical animal studies; no peer-reviewed human clinical trials have been published as of 2024. In murine asthma models (ovalbumin-sensitized mice), oral administration reduced bronchial hyperresponsiveness and significantly lowered BAL fluid levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 compared to controls. In dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse models, supplementation improved disease activity index scores, reduced colon shortening, and decreased mucosal TNF-α and IL-6 expression. These results are hypothesis-generating and cannot be extrapolated to humans without controlled clinical trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 is a [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) yeast strain with a nutritional composition broadly consistent with Saccharomyces cerevisiae species, though strain-specific quantitative data is limited. As a yeast cell, its biomass is composed of approximately 45-60% protein (dry weight) containing all essential amino acids, with lysine and threonine as notable contributors. Carbohydrate content ranges from 30-45% dry weight, dominated by cell wall polysaccharides including beta-1,3/1,6-glucans (estimated 25-35% of dry cell wall mass) and chitin (1-3%), which are key bioactive [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) compounds. Mannan/mannoproteins constitute an additional 20-30% of cell wall content and contribute to gut immune interactions. Lipid content is relatively low at 4-7% dry weight, primarily composed of phospholipids, ergosterol (a precursor to vitamin D2), and unsaturated fatty acids. B-vitamin content is notable: thiamine (B1) ~0.5-1.5 mg/100g dry weight, riboflavin (B2) ~3-5 mg/100g, niacin (B3) ~35-60 mg/100g, pantothenic acid (B5) ~10-20 mg/100g, pyridoxine (B6) ~2-4 mg/100g, and folate ~2-3 mg/100g. Minerals present include zinc (~7-10 mg/100g), selenium (variable, strain/medium dependent), chromium, and iron. Nucleotides (RNA-derived) may comprise 6-12% dry weight. Bioavailability of nutrients from intact yeast cells is moderate due to the cell wall barrier, but beta-glucans and mannoproteins remain bioactive in particulate form and interact directly with intestinal immune receptors (Dectin-1, TLR2). Strain-specific compositional data for UFMG A-1009 beyond immunological characterization has not been published in peer-reviewed literature as of the available evidence base.

## Dosage & Preparation

No human dosage data available. Preclinical studies used 10^7 to 10^9 CFU/mL via oral gavage in mice, with 10^9 CFU/mL showing optimal effects. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for healthy adults, but this specific UFMG A-1009 strain lacks formal human safety data from clinical trials. Individuals with Saccharomyces-related fungal sensitivities, compromised [immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s, or central venous catheters should avoid [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) yeast supplementation due to rare but reported risk of fungemia. No drug interaction data exists specifically for UFMG A-1009, though probiotic yeasts theoretically may reduce efficacy of antifungal medications such as fluconazole if taken concomitantly. Pregnancy and pediatric safety have not been evaluated and use in these populations is not recommended without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses exist for S. cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 or the closely related UFMG A-905 strain. All available evidence comes from preclinical murine models studying asthma (PMID: 28166610), ulcerative colitis (PMID: 26322540), food allergy (PMID: 32264688), and chemotherapy-induced mucositis (PMID: 27133563).

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine use identified for UFMG A-1009/A-905 strains. These are modern research strains without documented links to traditional healing systems like Ayurveda or TCM.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other probiotic strains, [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s, omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin, vitamin D

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 and how is it different from regular brewer's yeast?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 is a specific probiotic yeast strain isolated and characterized at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Brazil, distinct from commercial brewer's or baker's yeast strains by its unique cell wall beta-glucan profile and immunomodulatory properties. Unlike generic Saccharomyces cerevisiae used in food production, this strain has been specifically studied for therapeutic immune-modulating effects in preclinical inflammation models. Strain-specific effects mean that benefits observed with UFMG A-1009 cannot be assumed for other S. cerevisiae products.

### Does Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 help with asthma?

Preclinical mouse studies using ovalbumin-sensitized asthma models suggest oral supplementation with UFMG A-1009 reduces bronchial hyperresponsiveness and lowers Th2 cytokines—specifically IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13—in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These findings indicate the strain may dampen allergic airway inflammation by shifting immune balance away from a Th2-dominant response via Dectin-1 receptor signaling. However, no human clinical trials have evaluated this strain for asthma, so it cannot be recommended as an asthma treatment.

### Can Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 help with inflammatory bowel disease or colitis?

In DSS-induced colitis mouse models, UFMG A-1009 supplementation improved clinical disease activity index scores, reduced colon shortening, and decreased mucosal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6. The proposed mechanism involves beta-glucan interaction with TLR2 and Dectin-1 on intestinal immune cells, reducing NF-κB-driven inflammatory signaling and supporting epithelial barrier restoration. All evidence remains preclinical and human IBD trials for this specific strain have not been conducted.

### Is Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 safe to take daily?

No formal human safety or dosing trials exist for UFMG A-1009, though the broader S. cerevisiae species carries a GRAS designation for healthy individuals. The primary safety concern is fungemia—a rare bloodstream infection—which has been reported with probiotic yeasts in immunocompromised patients or those with indwelling catheters. Healthy adults without yeast sensitivities or immune deficiencies are considered lower risk, but consulting a healthcare provider before daily use is advised given the absence of human safety data for this specific strain.

### What is the recommended dosage of Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009?

No clinically validated human dosage has been established for Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 because human clinical trials have not been performed. Preclinical mouse studies used weight-adjusted oral doses to demonstrate immunomodulatory effects, but these cannot be directly converted to human equivalents without pharmacokinetic bridging studies. Until clinical trials define a safe and effective human dose, no specific dosage recommendation can be made for this strain.

### Is Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 safe for people with yeast sensitivities or Candida overgrowth?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 is a specific probiotic strain that differs from pathogenic Candida species and is generally considered safe for most individuals. However, people with severe yeast sensitivities, active Candida infections, or those following strict anti-Candida protocols should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing. The strain has been studied in preclinical models without reports of exacerbating yeast-related conditions, but individual tolerance varies.

### What does the current research evidence show about Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009's effectiveness in humans?

Current evidence for Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009 is primarily limited to preclinical studies in animal models, showing promise for reducing airway inflammation in asthma and improving inflammatory markers in colitis. Human clinical trials are limited or not yet published, meaning effectiveness claims cannot be definitively confirmed in people at this time. More rigorous human studies are needed to establish optimal dosing, safety profiles, and therapeutic benefits.

### Who should avoid Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-1009, and are there specific medical conditions that contraindicate its use?

Individuals with compromised immune systems, severe short bowel syndrome, or central venous catheters should exercise caution, as probiotic yeasts carry a theoretical risk of translocation in immunocompromised states. People with documented yeast allergies or those on immunosuppressant medications should consult their healthcare provider before use. Those with acute gastrointestinal infections should typically wait until the infection resolves before starting probiotic supplementation.

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