Abstract

Brewer's yeast was subjected to analytical studies to determine the chemical composition of its biomass. To this end, traditional methods of analysis were used to determine ribonucleic acid (RNA), mineral elements, amino acids and fatty acids. The results showed that proteins (49.63%), carbohydrates (31.55%), minerals (7.98%), RNA (8.12%) and total lipids (4.64%) predominate in the biomass composition. The amino acid profile of the protein is suitable for human nutrition, exceeding the recommendations from the FAO/WHO/UNU for essential amino acids. It is particularly rich in lysine and could be recommended as protein supplement in cereals. It was also observed that the yeast was an excellent source of some microelements, such as selenium, chromium, nickel and lithium; that it is also a good source of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fibers; and that the content of lipids was low, with a predominance of saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids with 10, 16 and 18 carbon atoms.

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