Soy allergy

Soy allergy - MayoClinic.com
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Original Article:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/soy-allergy/DS00970
Soy allergy
Introduction
Soy allergy affects approximately 1 percent of people in the United States. Soy,
also called soya, is among the top eight most common foods that trigger
allergies in children. In many cases soy allergy starts with a reaction to a soy-
based infant formula. Although most children outgrow soy allergy by age 3, soy
allergy may persist and is becoming more common in adults.
In most cases signs and symptoms of soy allergy are mild. Severe allergic
reactions are more common with other food allergens than with soy, but in rare
cases, soy allergy can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Deaths linked to soy allergy have occurred in people who also had both severe
peanut allergy and asthma. You can reduce your risk of having an allergic
reaction to soy by knowing as much as you can about soy allergy and how to
avoid soy-containing products.
If you — or your child — have a reaction to soy, tell your doctor about it, no
matter how mild the reaction may have been. Tests can help confirm a soy
allergy, so you can take steps to avoid future and potentially worse reactions.
Signs and symptoms
For most people, an allergic reaction to soy is uncomfortable but not serious.
Rarely, an allergic reaction to soy can be frightening and even life-threatening.
Signs and symptoms of a food allergy usually develop within a few minutes to
an hour after eating soy-containing food.
Symptoms of a soy allergy can include:
Tingling in the mouth
Hives, itching or eczema
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body
Canker sores
Wheezing, runny nose or trouble breathing
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
A severe allergic reaction to soy — called anaphylaxis — is rare. It's more
likely to occur in people who have asthma or are also allergic to other foods
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Soy allergy - MayoClinic.com
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such as peanuts. Anaphylaxis causes more extreme signs and symptoms
including:
Constriction of airways, including a swollen throat or a lump in your
throat, that makes it difficult to breathe
Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure
Rapid pulse
Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
Soy allergy in infants often begins with the introduction of a soy-based formula.
In many cases, soy allergy develops when a child is switched to a soy-based
formula after an allergic reaction to a milk-based formula. An allergic reaction
to soy may occur after one to two weeks of starting a soy formula, and is often
characterized by skin and digestive problems.
Causes
All food allergies are caused by an immune system malfunction. Your immune
system identifies certain soy proteins as harmful, triggering the production of
immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to neutralize the soy protein (allergen). The
next time you come in contact with soy, these IgE antibodies recognize it and
signal your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into your
bloodstream.
Histamine and other body chemicals cause a range of allergic signs and
symptoms. Histamine is partly responsible for most allergic responses,
including runny nose, itchy eyes, dry throat, rashes and hives, nausea,
diarrhea, labored breathing, and even anaphylactic shock.
Researchers have identified at least 16 possible soy protein allergens — but
exactly how they cause an allergic reaction is still not clear.
Risk factors
Certain factors may put you at greater risk of developing a soy allergy:
Family history. You're at increased risk of allergy to soy or other foods if
allergies, such as hay fever, asthma, hives or eczema, are common in
your family.
Age. Soy allergy is most common in children, especially toddlers and
infants. As you grow older, your digestive system matures and your body
is less likely to absorb food or food components that trigger allergies.
Other allergies. In some cases, people who are allergic to wheat, beans
(legumes), milk or other foods can have an allergic reaction to soy.
When to seek medical advice
See a doctor or allergist if you experience food allergy symptoms shortly after
eating. If possible, see your doctor when the allergic reaction is occurring. This
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Soy allergy - MayoClinic.com
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will aid in making a diagnosis.
Seek emergency treatment if you develop any signs or symptoms of
anaphylaxis, such as:
Constriction of airways that makes it difficult to breathe
Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure
Rapid pulse
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Screening and diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may perform a physical exam to
find or rule out other medical problems. He or she may also recommend one or
both of the following tests:
Skin test. In this test, your skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts
of the proteins found in soy. If you're allergic, you develop a raised bump
(hive) at the test location on your skin. Allergy specialists usually are best
equipped to perform and interpret allergy skin tests.
Blood test. A blood test can measure your immune system's response to
soy by measuring the amount of certain antibodies in your bloodstream,
known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. A blood sample is sent to a
medical laboratory, where it can be tested for evidence of sensitivity to
soy.
Treatment
The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid soy and soy proteins
altogether.
Medications, such as antihistamines, may reduce signs and symptoms of soy
allergies. These drugs can be taken after exposure to soy to control your
reaction and help relieve discomfort.
Despite your best efforts, you may still come into contact with soy. If you have
a serious allergic reaction, you may need an emergency injection of
epinephrine (adrenaline) and a trip to the emergency room. If you're at risk of
having a severe reaction, you may need to carry injectable epinephrine (such
as an EpiPen) with you at all times.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent a food allergy from occurring. But if you have
an infant, breast-feeding instead of using a soy-based or milk-based formula
may help. Experts recommend breast-feeding for at least the first four to six
months to reduce the risk of food allergies and for other health benefits.
If you know you are allergic to soy, the only sure way to avoid an allergic
reaction is to avoid soy products. Know what you're eating and drinking. Be
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sure to read food labels carefully. Because soybeans and peanuts contain
common allergy-causing components, you may also need to avoid peanuts too.
Some processed soy foods, such as soy oil or soy sauce, may not cause a
reaction because processing removes certain allergy-causing proteins.
Soy milk, tofu and other soy products have become more popular in the United
States because of their apparent health benefits. These products are easy to
identify — and avoid. But soy is also a common ingredient in other food
products. It's used in meat products and meat substitutes, baked goods,
candies, ice creams and desserts, condiments, butter substitutes, and in other
foods.
Products with soy as a main ingredient
Tofu
Miso
Natto
Tempeh
Tamari soy sauce
Soy sauce (these include shoyu and tamari)
Soy flour
Soy nuts
Soy milk
Soy sprouts
Hidden sources of soy products
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
Lecithin
Monodiglyceride
Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Vegetable oil
Vitamin E
Natural flavoring
Vegetable broth
Vegetable gum
Vegetable starch
If you are at risk of a serious allergic reaction, talk with your doctor about
carrying emergency epinephrine (adrenaline). If you have already had a severe
reaction, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace that lets others know that
you have a food allergy.

By Mayo Clinic Staff
May 25, 2007
© 1998-2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).
All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for
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DS00970
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