Much like we have seen with all the other food allergies, soy allergy can cause a range of symptoms, from minor to life-threating. Because true food allergies require avoidance, it is important to read food labels and ensure that any food and beverages you consume are free from soy. This can be more challenging than it originally appears as soy is a common ingredient in many foods. Thankfully, in the US, soy is a top 8 food allergen and therefore is required to be listed on the food label in bold and in the list of allergens that food contains.
How Soy Shows Up in Foods
Obviously, soy, soybean, and soymilk are inappropriate for people with soy allergies. Also look out for:
- Anything with “soy” or “soya in the name (eg. soy lecithin, soybean oil)
- Edamame
- HSP, TSF, TSP, TVP (hydrolyzed of textured soy protein or vegetable protein)
- tofu, tempeh, miso, natto, tamari, yuba
Also be cautious about natural flavors, thickeners, stabilizers, vegetable oils, etc. Soy may be a component of this products. Some vitamin E is also derived from soy. Exposure to a food allergen can also be through the skin or respiratory system.
Vegan and vegetarian foods, baked goods, and personal care products often contain soy. Especially if your allergy is severe, check everything you use to make sure it is soy free.
Nutrients of Concern in Soy Allergy
While avoiding soy, there are certain nutrients that you must be especially careful to get enough of. These are protein, thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B6, and folic acid.
Because soy is so commonly used a plant based protein source, it is unlikely that a vegan or vegetarian diet will be feasible with soy allergy.
Focus on These Types of Foods
To ensure getting enough of the nutrients that are commonly lacking a soy free diet, be sure to include plenty of meat, legumes, whole grains, eggs, nuts, seeds, peas, milk, and dried fruit.
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In the meantime, check out the other posts in the food allergy series, including What Can I Eat with Wheat Allergy?, What Can I eat with Egg Allergy? What Can I Eat with Milk Allergy?. For an overview of food allergies in general, check out Food Allergies: When Your Body Overreacts to Food.
I am not a doctor. The information contained on this Website are for educational and informational purposes only. The information contained on this Website and the resources available for download through this website is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed medical or health advice.
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NaturallyLiz.com. Other Names for Soy and Common Hiding Places. naturallyliz.com/other-names-for-soy-and-common-hiding-places. Accessed September 16, 2024.
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