Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsProductsSymptomsTreatmentTestingSoy-Free Foods
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Products
Symptoms
Treatment
Testing
Soy-Free Foods
Soy allergy symptoms typically arise in children 3 and younger, and many outgrow the allergy. However, a soy allergy can develop at any age. A soy allergy may be to blame if you experience stomach problems, itching, a repetitive cough, or hives after eating soy-based foods.While soy is generally considered safe to consume, people with soy allergies should avoid it.
This article will help you identify products that contain soy, recognize soy allergy symptoms, and learn what to do if you or someone you care for has an allergic reaction to soy.
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What Kinds of Products Cause Soy Allergy Symptoms?
If you have a soy allergy, any product containing soy or soy derivatives, which are ingredients obtained from processing soybeans, can cause symptoms. Soy and soy derivatives can be found in the following:
Soy Allergy Symptoms to Recognize
Soy allergy reactions can affect various organs and body systems, including your digestive and respiratory systems and your skin.In rare cases, people with severe soy allergies experience anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis
Rarely a soy allergy will causeanaphylaxis. This dangerous, potentially life-threatening reaction causes impaired breathing and a sudden drop in blood pressure which can send the body into shock. Symptoms may begin similarly to milder reactions but worsen within seconds or minutes of ingesting an allergen.
Additional symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
If you or someone you care for is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction, administerepinephrineusing an auto-injector (EpiPen) and call 911 immediately. Inform the dispatcher that epinephrine was given and more may be needed.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Some people with a soy allergy experience symptoms affecting their digestive system, specifically their GI tract. While most GI symptoms are uncomfortable, some may indicate a severe allergic reaction. Examples of GI symptoms include the following:
Respiratory Symptoms
Similar to GI symptoms, respiratory symptoms can range from mild to severe. Respiratory symptoms of a soy allergy can include:
Skin Symptoms
Soy allergies may also produce skin-related symptoms, including the following:
Allergy vs. IntoleranceA food allergy differs from afood intolerance. A person with food intolerance may get digestive symptoms like gas and bloating, whereas those with an allergy have an immune response to allergens in specific foods. A person with a food allergy can develop severe symptoms like trouble breathing, rashes, and, sometimes bu rarely, anaphylaxis.
Allergy vs. Intolerance
A food allergy differs from afood intolerance. A person with food intolerance may get digestive symptoms like gas and bloating, whereas those with an allergy have an immune response to allergens in specific foods. A person with a food allergy can develop severe symptoms like trouble breathing, rashes, and, sometimes bu rarely, anaphylaxis.
Treatment for Soy Allergy Symptoms and Reactions
Treatment for soy allergy symptoms and reactions varies depending on the body system affected and symptom severity.
Don’t Wait to Call 911Anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of ingesting the allergen. The medication should be administered immediately if you experience severe symptoms, including shortness of breath, repetitive coughing, weak pulse, all-over hives, tightness in the throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a combination of symptoms from different areas of the body.For anaphylaxis,administer epinephrineand call 911 immediately.
Don’t Wait to Call 911
Anaphylaxis can occur within seconds or minutes of ingesting the allergen. The medication should be administered immediately if you experience severe symptoms, including shortness of breath, repetitive coughing, weak pulse, all-over hives, tightness in the throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a combination of symptoms from different areas of the body.For anaphylaxis,administer epinephrineand call 911 immediately.
Some of the treatments used for less severe but uncomfortable allergic reactions are:
Testing to Confirm a Soy Allergy
If you suspect you or someone you care for has a soy allergy, consult anallergist(doctor specializing in allergies) for testing and diagnosis. There are several types ofallergy teststo determine a soy allergy. A healthcare provider may do one or more of the following:
Soy-Free Foods and Ingredients
The best way to manage a soy allergy is to avoid eating soy and soy products. Under the labeling requirements of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, manufacturers of packaged food items sold in the United States must state if there are soy or soy derivatives in the product. Carefully read food labels and avoid products with any of the following ingredients:
Other possible sources:
Summary
A soy allergy typically appears in infants and young children but can develop at any age. Soy allergy symptoms include rash, stomachache, itchy throat, cough, or stuffy nose after eating soy-based or soy-containing foods. Soy and its derivatives are found in many processed foods, sauces, and vegetarian protein products.
Always check food labels, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to state if soy is present. If you suspect you or someone you care for has a soy allergy, an allergist can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment and management.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Soy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Soy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).Nemours Kids Health.Soy allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Soy Allergy Diet.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Soy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Soy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).Nemours Kids Health.Soy allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Soy Allergy Diet.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Soy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Soy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).Nemours Kids Health.Soy allergy.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Soy Allergy Diet.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Soy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Soy.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).
Nemours Kids Health.Soy allergy.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Food Intolerance vs. Food Allergy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Soy Allergy Diet.
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