“Soy allergy (2023)”:

Overview:

Understanding soy allergies:

• A soy allergy represents a type of food allergy where your immune system overreacts to the soy you consume.  While many people can safely consume soy, those with soy allergies experience an immune response, perceiving soy proteins as harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses.
• Soy allergies can be life-threatening.  If serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or a swollen throat occur, it is important to seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room (ER).

Who is affected by soy allergies?

• Soy allergies can affect individuals of any age, although babies and young children are more susceptible.  In addition, those with existing food allergies are at increased risk of developing soy allergies.  Many babies outgrow their soy allergies as they get older.

Development of soy allergy:

• Yes, soy allergies can manifest at any stage of life.  Foods or drinks consumed in the past with issues can suddenly trigger an allergic reaction.

Prevalence of soy allergies:

• Found mostly in infants and young children, soy allergy affects about 0.4% of infants in the United States.
• Effects on the body:  A soy allergy triggers an allergic reaction within your body.  This reaction can take two primary forms:
• Immunoglobulin E-mediated response: After initial soy exposure, your body produces immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that targets specific allergens.  IgE reactions after soy consumption can occur rapidly and have serious consequences, including anaphylaxis.
• Non-immunoglobulin E-mediated response: Such reactions do not involve IgE antibodies but still recruit the immune system.  Reactions to soy are slower, taking perhaps 48 hours to develop.  Although non-IgE reactions, including those induced by soy, are usually not life-threatening, they can cause conditions such as soy protein intolerance or eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) EoE triggers inflammation in the esophagus.

Symptoms and causes:

Identify soy allergy symptoms:

• Symptoms of soy allergy include various reactions e.g.

  – Umbrella

  – Abdominal cramping

  – Indigestion

  – and vomiting from the stomach

  – diarrhea

  – Stiffness in the neck

  – cough

  – Itching

  – Eczema

  – Anaphylaxis, characterized by difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, dizziness and confusion.

Stomach issues and soy allergies:

• Yes, soy allergies can cause stomach problems.  Cases of soy intolerance may include stomach cramps, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, which is different from soy allergy

Potential for inflammation from soy:

• Consuming sufficient amounts of soy can cause inflammation.  However, current research lacks conclusive evidence to firmly establish soy as a direct cause of inflammation.

The root cause of soy allergy:

• The proteins present in soy trigger an exaggerated response from your immune system, leading to a soy allergy.

The contagious nature of soy allergy:

• No, soy allergies are not contagious.  You cannot transmit a soy allergy to another person.

Diagnosis and testing:

Soy allergy diagnosis:

• Allergist An allergist helps diagnose soy allergies with a variety of tests.  Before conducting these tests, they can ask about the following:

  – Family history of food allergies

  – Previous diagnosis of other food allergies

  – Specific symptoms experienced

  – Use of over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms

  – Time frame of symptom onset

  – Maintenance of food magazine

Soy allergy testing:

• Your allergist may apply different tests to suit your symptoms, e.g.
• Blood tests: This involves removing a small sample of blood and mixing it with soy proteins to measure IgE antibody levels.  Results typically take a week or more.
• Skin prick (scratch) test: Small amounts of liquid containing soy protein may come into contact with your skin through pricking or scratching.  After 15 minutes, the skin reaction is observed to identify any discoloration.
• Graded Oral Challenge: For a definitive diagnosis, your allergist may suggest a dietary challenge.  This involves consuming small amounts of soy under supervision to monitor for any allergic reactions.  The challenge can take up to four hours to complete.
• These tests are performed to accurately diagnose soy allergies and tailor appropriate management strategies.

Management and treatment:

Soy allergy treatment:

• Avoiding soy intake is important to prevent reactions.  Manufacturers in the U.S. are required to list soy on food labels.  However, consider other possible exposures:

  – Non-food items such as candles, crayons, cleaning products, pet foods, synthetic clothing, makeup and cosmetics may contain soy without labeled information.

  – Look for shared equipment labels such as “Made on shared equipment with soy”.

Avoid foods and drinks:

• Many items contain soy, including various forms and derivatives like soy flour, soy milk, soy cheese, tofu, soy sauce, miso, etc. In addition, soy may be hidden in natural or artificial flavorings, vegetable broths, gums, starches, and products containing hydrolyzed plant proteins

Soy lecithin and soybean oil:

• Studies show that most individuals with soy allergies can safely consume soy lecithin and soybean oil.  However, avoid cold pressed, extractor pressed, or outsourced soybean oil.

Soy allergy medications:

• An epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) is prescribed for those with soy allergies.  Epinephrine quickly reverses the symptoms of anaphylaxis.  Proper instruction in its use is essential, and carrying an injector at all times is recommended.

Side effects of epinephrine:

• Possible side effects of epinephrine injections include mild symptoms such as anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, nausea and temporary fatigue

Relief time after treatment:

• Epinephrine injections start working immediately upon administration, providing rapid relief from allergic reactions.

Prevention:

Prevention of soy allergic reactions:

• The most effective method to prevent soy-related allergic reactions is to strictly avoid soy content in foods, beverages and non-food products Carefully inspect ingredient labels on all packaged goods and refrain from consuming soy-containing products unless you confirm their content with the manufacturer  They can.

Outlook / Forecast:

Soy allergy cum life:

• Managing soy allergies can pose challenges, given the spectrum of symptoms that can range from mild to severe.  Prediction of individual responses remains uncertain.  However, with vigilance and caution, you can live a fulfilling life.  Health care providers can recommend resources, support groups, and dieticians to help with meal planning and daily living.
• Infants and young children are more likely to develop soy allergies compared to adults.  Fortunately, many children typically outgrow soy allergies by the time they are 10 years old.

living with:

Seeking health care guidance:

  – If you experience persistent soy allergy symptoms or notice the development of symptoms after consuming soy, consult your healthcare provider regularly.

emergency moment:

  – If symptoms of anaphylaxis appear, go to the ER immediately or dial 911.

Questions for the healthcare provider:

  – How can you confirm my soy allergy?

  -What medications do you recommend, and what are their possible side effects?

  – When is it safe to feed soy to your baby?

  – Is there a chance my child will develop a soy allergy?

  – Are there support groups available for individuals or parents struggling with soy allergies?

-Can you recommend a dietitian for dietary guidance?

Conclusion:

• Soy allergy triggers an immune response to soy proteins, causing a variety of symptoms.  Diagnosis involves testing by an allergist.  Treatment: Strict avoidance of soy;  Epinephrine for severe reactions.  Sticking with it means checking labels carefully, getting medical advice, and a potential increase of up to 10 years.  Management includes understanding soy allergy versus intolerance, receiving support and guidance from health care professionals for a fulfilling life.

Additional FAQs:

Q. What is the difference between soy allergy and soy intolerance?

 A. -Soy allergy involves an exaggerated immune response to soy proteins.

  – Soy intolerance refers to difficulty digesting soy, causing symptoms such as gas, diarrhea, and stomach pain after consuming soy.