Soy oil is derived from soy beans and may contain soy protein that will trigger an allergic reaction in someone who is allergic to soy. Soy oil may be found in various cakes, beverages and other food products. If you've been diagnosed with a soy allergy, MayoClinic.com advises avoiding all foods that contain soy by-products, including soy oil. Consuming soy oil when you've been diagnosed with a soy allergy increases the risk of developing a severe allergic reaction that could be deadly.
About Soy Allergies
Soy considered by MedlinePlus as one of the most common food-related allergens. Soy is derived from soy beans, a part of the legume family. If you're allergic to soy beans, you may also be allergic to other legumes, such as peanuts, lentils or beans. A soy allergy is a hypersensitivity of the immune system to soy protein. When you ingest soy oil, your body fails to recognize that the proteins are safe and begins to defend the body by creating antibodies. Antibodies are disease-fighting agents that help to protect the body from viruses and bacteria. The release of antibodies causes other chemicals to respond, leading to common symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
After ingesting soy oil, you will develop signs and symptoms within a few minutes or up to 2 hours. Common symptoms include digestive issues, asthma, nasal congestion and skin reactions. Digestive issues can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping. Nasal congestion can lead to sinus pressure, headaches, a runny nose, facial tenderness and sneezing. The skin can become inflamed, itchy and swollen as a result of an allergy to soy. You may experience warmth, itchiness and stinging in the skin, followed by hives or eczema.
Avoidance
The Cleveland Clinic states that the most effective way to manage a soy oil allergy is to avoid all products that contain soy. Some examples of soy ingredients and products include: soy milk, soy beans, soy flour, soy fiber, soy protein, soya, soy sauce, miso, tamari, tempeh, natto and edamame. Read all pre-packaged food products carefully before consuming. The federal government requires that all food manufactures disclose the use of soy on the label. If the product contains soy, do not eat it.
Treatment
If you accidentally ingest soy, call your doctor. Some minor symptoms may respond to over-the-counter antihistamine medications, according to MayoClinic.com. Skin reactions can be treated with hydrocortisone creams and other steroid-based topical medications. If you experience anaphylactic shock, an injection of epinephrine may be needed.
