Soy allergy is an immune system response to soy. About 0.5% of the population has soy allergy, that it is more common in infants: the average age at which the infant soy allergy manifests is 3 months but the majority of infants outgrow it by the age of two. Adults with soy allergy are rare.
Foods that may contain soy
At least 16 potential soy protein allergens have been identified but their relative clinical significance is unknown. Several common foods that usually contain soy or that are derived from soy. Here are some foods that contain soy:
Soy and soy products: Soy infant formulas, soy butter, soy milk, soy drinks and shakes, soy sauce, soy seed, soy yoghurt, soy cheese, soy oil, tofu, tempeh Cereal and grain products: Breakfast cereals, most regular breads (including wheat, rye, rice and corn breads) Meat, fish, poultry and alternatives: Sausages, processed meats Confectionery and sweet dishes: Many types of confectionery, frozen fruit desserts, fruit ice cream substitutes, fruit sorbets, soy ice creams Baked goods: Many baked goods including breads, rolls and buns (including wheat, rye, rice and corn types), biscuits, cakes (commercial) Miscellaneous: Many south-east Asian (Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese) dishes and ingredients, batters, canned beans, miso, teriyaki sauce, many vegetarian products.
The way soy is processed can affect allergenicity and many people allergic to soy are may also cross react to other foods, especially other legumes such as peas, peanuts, lentils and garbanzo beans.
Symptoms of soy allergy
The reported symptoms of soy allergy include: acne, angioedema, rhinitis, anaphylaxis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, bronchospasm, colitis, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, dyspnea, eczema, enterocolitis, fever, hypotension, itching, laryngeal oedema, lethargy, urticaria, vomiting and wheezing.
Treatment of soy allergy
If soy allergy is suspected, soy should be completely removed from the diet for several days. Soy products can then be cautiously returned to the diet to see if symptoms return. Intolerance reactions can occur as long as 48 hours after ingestion of an offending substance.
Soy allergy and cow milk allergy
Soy has a long history of use in managing cow milk allergies in infants. However, up to 50% of children with cow milk allergy are also allergic to soy protein. In addition, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the UK’s Chief Medical Officer do not recommend soy products for use in infants due to concerns of phytoestrogens, in addition to their lack of hypoallergenic.
More information on Act Against Allergy – Soy allergy [http://www.actagainstallergy.com/aaa/4708-soy-allergy.html]