People with soy allergy have an abnormal response of the immune system to at least one of the proteins found in soy. However, the mechanisms by which soy and its components provide this effect are not yet clear. Soy allergy mostly happens in infants. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume soy foods such as soy flour, soy, grits, soy nuts, soy milk, tempeh and tofu. Vitamins may ease some of soy allergy symptoms. Ask your doctor before taking vitamin supplements.
Soy Allergy and Vitamins
The goals of treatment include relieving immediate symptoms and avoiding future allergic reactions. Your clinician may recommend vitamin supplements that may provide relief and help you feel better. Vitamins are also important because your diet is very restricted. Vitamin C is often prescribed for soy allergy because it is believed to help lower histamine levels, although substantially more research is needed in this area.
Soy Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of soy allergy involve the skin, intestines, pancreas, lungs and the heart and typically begin within minutes to an hour after ingesting the food. In very sensitive people, it also does not take much of the offending food to cause severe allergic reactions. Because the symptoms of soy allergy are similar to those caused by many other allergens, you should check with a pediatrician for a diagnosis.
Who Gets Soy Allergy?
Infants are the most commonly affected by soy allergy. If your infant has allergies to soy, the physician may recommend an easily digested hypoallergenic formula. There is no good way to prevent soy allergy. However, you can reduce the risk of developing soy allergies. If possible, give your infant only breast milk for the first 6 months. Delay giving your infant solid foods until your child is 6 months of age or older. Avoid common allergic foods such as cow's milk, eggs, peanuts and fish until age 1 year.
Safety
Take vitamin supplements with care, under the supervision of your doctor. Mega-dose vitamins and mega-fortified foods should be avoided, because it could lead to nerve damage. It is also important to tell your doctor about any vitamin supplements you use. Some vitamins such as vitamin K may counteract other medications effects as well.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Soy
- College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences: Soy Allergy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Allergy; David Zieve; March 17, 2010
- NYU Langone Medical Center and School of Medicine: Allergies, Respiratory
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis: Food Allergies
- "Food Allergies: Let Us Know, WeCare"; Alfonso Tirado; 2005
