Soy Allergies in Children
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, December 17, 2024Soy Allergies in Children
While soy is part of the Big Nine Allergens, which are responsible for 90% of all food allergies and allergic reactions in America, it is not as prevalent as other top food allergies, such as eggs, milk or peanuts. In fact, out of the leading nine allergens, soy has one of the lowest prevalence.
Understanding soy allergies and soy’s nutritional benefits can help parents make informed decisions about including soy in their child’s diet.
Signs and Symptoms of Soy Allergies
Soy allergies can appear with a variety of symptoms. Signs of soy intolerance or allergy can include hives, swelling of the lips, face and tongue, wheezing, abdominal pain, nausea and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis—a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Parents should always be vigilant for these symptoms, especially if their child is trying soy for the first time and should visit the allergist if there is a suspected soy allergy. An allergist can perform skin prick or blood tests to properly diagnose a soy allergy.
How Common Are Soy Allergies?
It’s estimated that around 0.4% of children in the United States will develop a soy allergy, but soy is a transient allergy, meaning many (70%) of children with soy allergies often “outgrow” their allergies, mostly before the age of ten. It’s uncommon to see soy allergies in teenage and adult populations. If parents suspect their child may have soy allergies, they should seek professional care. A healthcare provider can advise whether to introduce soy into a child’s diet or avoid it altogether.
If a Child Doesn’t Have Soy Allergies…
For children without a soy allergy, incorporating soy foods into their diet can provide a variety of benefits supporting their growth. Soy is a nutrient-dense powerhouses and one of the few plant-based complete proteins containing all nine essential amino acids. This makes soy particularly beneficial for children who may be picky eaters or follow vegetarian or vegan diets.
That’s not all soy is good for: soy-based foods contain other essential nutrients important for the development of children and overall health. For example:
- Fortified, unsweetened soymilk often contains vitamin D, calcium, and protein
- Tempeh is a good source of iron and zinc
- Edamame provides fiber
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Unsaturated, or good fats, are also key nutrients for a healthy diet. Polyunsaturated fats like omega-3 alpha-linolenic (ALA) and omega-6 linoleic acid (LA) are found in soybean oil. These oils are important for heart health and even promote skin health.
It’s important to note that soybean oil isn’t an allergen and doesn’t need to be labeled as such. This is because refined soybean oil only contains trace amounts of soy protein, which isn’t enough to trigger individuals with soy allergies.
Easy Soy Recipes
Whether you’re featuring soy as the main ingredient or sneaking it into dishes for picky eaters, it is easier than you think. Try these delicious, kid-friendly soy recipes that the whole family will love:
- Soy banana bread: a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Adding soy flour gives this yummy banana bread a boost of protein.
- Spaghetti with olive, caper, and tempeh tomato sauce: is a colorful pasta dish with added tempeh that amps up the heartiness.
- Mac and cheese: made with silken tofu, this creamy mac and cheese recipe is the perfect comfort food that delivers important nutrients like calcium and protein.
- Tofu peanut noodle bowl: a savory, vegan Thai-inspired dish that combines savory flavors, veggies, and slurp-worthy noodles.
- Cherry mango berry popsicles: the perfect summer treat (or for any sunny day); these popsicles are made with cherries, mangoes, blueberries, and of course, soy milk.
Read more about soy and food allergies.