Allergy to soy is one of the most common
causes of food allergy in infants, young
children, and adults. A soy-free diet removes soybeans and all products derived from soybeans.
Most people who are allergic to soy are allergic to the protein in soy. Soy oil and soy
lecithin pose little risk of causing an allergic reaction in most, although not all
soy-allergic people because processing removes almost all the protein.
What are the symptoms?
Soy allergy symptoms may include any of the common symptoms of food allergies, including
skin rashes or hives, gastrointestinal
distress, breathing problems, or many other possible symptoms. In severe cases, a
life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis may occur, though such a severe reaction to soy
is quite rare.
What do I need to avoid?
To avoid soy and soy products ask about ingredients at restaurants and others’ homes,
read food labels, and become familiar with the technical or scientific terms for soy. The
following list is not complete. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any
significant changes to your diet.
- Green soybeans (edamame)
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
- Infant formulas, soy-based
- Lecithin (extracted from soy oil, though
safe for a majority of soy-allergic people)
- Meat alternatives (meat analogs)
- Miso
- Natto
- Non-dairy soy frozen dessert
- Oyster sauce (most brands contain soy protein)
- Soy cheese
- Soy fiber
- Okara
- Soy bran
- Soy isolate fiber (also known as structured protein fiber [SPF])
- Soy flour (used in most muffins, some doughnuts, many breads, and other bakery goods)
- Soy grits
- Soy protein concentrate
- Soy protein isolates (isolated soy protein)
- Soy protein, textured
- Textured soy flour (TSF)
- Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- Tuna (canned, “packed in
water”—read the fine print: most contain vegetable broth, which is made from
soybeans)
- Soy sauce (tamari, shoyu, teriyaki
sauce)
- Soy yogurt
- Soy beans, whole
- Soy milk and beverages
- Soy nut butter
- Soy nuts
- Soy oil (though safe for a majority of soy-allergic people)
- Sprouts, soy
- Tempeh
- Tofu and tofu products
- Vegetable broth (frequently contains hydrolyzed vegetable protein from soy)
- Whipped toppings, soy-based
- Yuba
Best bets
Many soy-free alternatives to meat are available today. The Internet is a good place to get
recipes and learn how to cook with these foods. Some helpful resources are listed below.
Vegetable and grain alternatives Some manufactured vegetarian
products, such as “veggie” burgers, are made with vegetables and grains instead of
soy protein. However, it is important to read labels to be sure no soy has been added to the
product. These products may contain any combination of vegetables and grains, such as oats, rice, wheat,
chickpeas, mushrooms, potatoes, corn, lima beans, green beans,
peas, carrots, nuts, and others.
Gluten and seitan Wheat gluten is made when
wheat flour is mixed with water and kneaded, and then is processed to remove the starch and
bran. The result is a high-protein, low-fat food. Wheat gluten and seitan (a form of wheat
gluten) can be used in sandwiches, soups, and stir frys, as “steaks,” and as a
meat replacement in many other dishes. These products can be found in the refrigerated section
of most health food stores, near the tofu.
Soy-free milk If you are not a vegan, allergic to milk protein, or lactose intolerant, cow’s milk is always an option. Low-lactose whey milk may be
suitable for some lactose-intolerant individuals, but not for those with allergies. Some
people are allergic to both soy and cow’s milk protein. Rice milk and almond milk are two dairy-free /soy-free milk
alternatives.
Are there any groups or books?
American Academy of Pediatrics Guide to Your Child’s
Allergies and Asthma: Breathing Easy and Bringing Up Healthy, Active Children by Michael
J. Welch, MD. New York: Villard Books, 2000.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
www.aaaai.org
Food Allergy Network
foodallergy.org
Interational Food Information Council Foundation
www.ific.org/
Veggies Unite
www.vegweb.com/
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