If you're allergic to soy protein, you need to avoid consuming soy lecithin. Many processed or pre-packed foods contain lecithin derived from soybeans. Soy lecithin is used as a natural stabilizer in foods, such as margarine and salad dressing. It is also used to provide a longer shelf-life of many processed foods. An allergic reaction to soy lecithin can cause minor to severe symptoms. A severe allergic reaction to soy lecithin can cause death. Talk with your doctor for a diagnosis and advice on how to prevent an allergic reaction.
Soy Lecithin Allergy
Soy lecithin contains soy proteins. It is the soy proteins that trigger soy allergy symptoms. Your immune system mistakes the proteins as a dangerous substance and begins a chain-reaction in the body that causes the production of various chemicals in soft tissue. The body reacts to the soy proteins the same way it would react to an infectious organism, such as a virus or bacteria. Mast cells in soft tissue produce histamine, which leads to inflammation and irritation.
Symptoms
After consuming soy lecithin, you will develop allergy symptoms within minutes or up to one hour. Your skin is one of the first places you'll notice a reaction. Your skin can become swollen, irritated or inflamed, triggering hives, eczema or general itching. Digestive symptoms include stomach pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and cramping. You may also become dizzy, lightheaded and feel faint. Shortness of breath, nasal congestion, chest pain, wheezing and coughing are common respiratory symptoms.
Elimination
Although not all lecithin is a derivative of soy, you should avoid eating any product that contains lecithin. Lecithin is also made from egg yolks, which is safe for consumption, but many food products don't disclose the source of the lecithin. Read all product labels and do not consume any food that contains soy. Common soy-based foods include soy milk, soy nuts, tofu, miso and soy sauce. Other products that may not be so obvious include ice cream, ketchup and deli meats. Food manufacturers are required by law to disclose the use of soy in any packaged food or beverage.
Treatment
An allergy to soy lecithin is incurable. It is most effectively treated avoiding consumption of all soy products. If you accidentally ingest soy lecithin, you can treat minor allergy symptoms with an oral antihistamine. Nasal congestion can be treated with a decongestant, and skin rashes are treated with hydrocortisone. If you develop severe symptoms, call 911 to prevent further complications.
