Soy Allergy

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in St. Louis, Missouri

Soy Allergy Symptoms

Soy allergy symptoms include:

• Hives
• Stomach cramps
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Itching
• Eczema
• Tightness in your throat, hoarse voice
• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
• Swelling, can affect the tongue and/or lips
• Anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drop in blood pressure, dizziness and confusion)

Though rare, an IgE-mediated soy allergy can be deadly in the case of anaphylaxis. If you have severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as trouble breathing or swelling in your throat, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room (ER) immediately.

Most non-IgE food allergies, including soy, aren’t life-threatening. However, soy is one of the most common triggers for non-IgE reactions in infants.

Signs of Soy Allergy in Babies & Infants

Soy Allergy Testing

Soy allergy tsting is similar to other food allergens, often involving a mix of medical history and allergy tests.

Medical History

Typical questions include:

• Do you have a family history of food allergies?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with other food allergies?
• What are your symptoms?
• Do you take any over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat your symptoms?
• When do you notice your symptoms start to appear?
• Do you keep a food journal?

At this stage, your allergist is evaluating soy and other potential allergens that may be the cause of your allergic reactions. If your medical history is consistent with a food allergy, your allergist will order tests to confirm or rule out soy.

Skin Test for Soy Allergy

The skin prick test is a common first line soy allergy test where the skin is exposed to a small amount of soy to see if a reaction occurs.

Soy Allergy Blood Test

Food Challenges

During an oral challenge, you’ll eat a small amount of soy under the supervision of your allergist. Your allergist will then observe you to see if a reaction develops. If you are able to tolerate a small amount of soy, your allergist will then increase the ‘dose’ until a reaction occurs or until it is determined that you can safely ingest soy.

Can You Test for Soy Allergy at Home?

See a Food Allergy Doctor

in St. Louis, Missouri

Soy Allergy Foods To Avoid

Check your food labels! Learn what soy allergy foods to avoid since soy avoidance is the best way to manage a soy allergy.

In the United States, soy is one of the eight allergens that fall under the labeling requirements of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. Manufacturers of packaged food items that contain soy or a soy-based ingredient must state that the product contains soy.

While it is not possible for us to list every food product that contains soy, the following list covers most of the common foods, drinks, and ingredients that you should avoid if you have a soy allergy:

• Soy in all forms, including soy flour, soy fiber, soy albumin and soy grits
• Soy non-dairy alternatives, including soy milk, soy ice cream, soy cheese and soy yogurt
• Soybean (curd and granules)
• Soy protein (concentrate, isolate and hydrolyzed)
• Soy nuts and soy sprouts
• Soy sauce
• Tofu and textured vegetable protein (TVP)
• Edamame
• Miso
• Natto
• Tempeh
• Tamari
• Hoisin

In addition to the above, the following ingredients may contain soy protein:

• Natural and artificial flavoring
• Vegetable broth
• Vegetable gum and vegetable starch
• Hydrolyzed plant protein
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• Protein extender and protein filler

There are also several nonfood items that may contain soy, including:

• Crayons
• Cleaning products
• Pet foods
• Synthetic fabrics
• Certain makeup and toiletry items

However, readers should be aware that U.S. food labeling laws don’t apply to nonfood items.

See a Food Allergy Doctor

in St. Louis, Missouri

Soy Allergy Treatment

For more information and resources on how to manage soy allergy and other food allergies, please see our food allergies page.

References