If you notice that your child develops diarrhea every time she drinks soy formula, you need to have her checked for a soy allergy or intolerance. Soy allergies are one of the most common food allergies in children, according to the Mayo Clinic website. If you child is allergic to soy, you will need to remove all soy products from her diet. Soy intolerance is another consideration, which is less severe and has a lower risk of causing any serious complications. Soy intolerance is easily confused with a soy allergy, because it can cause diarrhea and other similar symptoms of a soy allergy. As with a soy allergy, soy products should be avoided if your child has an intolerance.
Soy Formula and Allergy
Diarrhea is a common symptom of a soy allergy. Most children with a soy allergy are under the age of 3 and outgrow it. If your child is allergic to soy, his immune system doesn't recognize one or more of the 15 proteins in soy. Because the immune system can't identify the proteins, it reacts to them as if they were harmful and attacks them. Immunoglobulin E antibodies are created to defend the body, which, in turn, cause the production of other chemicals that trigger common symptoms.
Diarrhea and Other Symptoms
Diarrhea is only one symptom of a soy allergy but may be the most distinctive in an infant. Your child's stomach may hurt, and she may develop excessive bloating, gas, cramping and diarrhea from an allergic reaction. Soy allergies can cause other reactions, such as hives, rashes, facial swelling, sneezing, nasal congestion, sinus headaches, wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. If your child's skin turns white or appears to be lethargic, call 9-1-1 because she may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction.
Soy Intolerance
Soy intolerance is not the same condition as a soy allergy. Soy intolerance will cause diarrhea, along with other gastrointestinal complications, but will not trigger any symptoms aside from the digestive system problems. Soy intolerance is a condition in which the small intestines don't produce the appropriate enzymes needed to digest the proteins in soy. Soy intolerance does not cause any long-term effects but can make your baby very uncomfortable.
Consideration
Breastfeeding is the most effective way to feed your baby, according to the Baby Center. If you're giving your baby soy formula because your he's allergic to cow's-milk formula, call your pediatrician immediately if he develops symptoms of a soy allergy or intolerance. The pediatrician may need to prescribe a special formula that has no whey, casein or soy proteins.
Member Comments