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Is soy protein an allergen?
Soy protein is one of the eight major food allergens, along with proteins from milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and wheat. However, only an estimated 0.1% of Americans are allergic to soy. Although an individual could be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, the previously listed eight foods account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions.Is soy protein an allergen?
Soy protein is one of the eight major food allergens, along with proteins from milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and wheat. However, only an estimated 0.1% of Americans are allergic to soy. Although an individual could be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, the previously listed eight foods account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions. -
8 Replies
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Appreciated
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Informative diss.
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Soy is food allergen. It is classified as a major allergen and must be declared on food labels in many countries, including the US, EU, and others. However, at the international level, FAO/WHO experts under Codex Alimentarius have discussed potentially re-evaluating soy’s status because soy allergy is generally less severe and less prevalent than other major allergens. This is only a scientific recommendation, not a regulation, and even if adopted, any change would take years and would still depend on each country’s national laws.
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Nice
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Good discussion
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Yes, soy protein is a known allergen. It is one of the “Big 8” food allergens, which are responsible for the vast majority of food allergy reactions in the U.S. and other countries.
Here’s what you should know about soy allergy:
Immune System Reaction: A soy allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies the proteins in soy as harmful invaders. This triggers an allergic reaction, which can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms: Symptoms can vary widely but commonly include:
Hives, itching, or eczema.
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, a runny nose, or difficulty breathing.
In severe cases, a soy allergy can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
Prevalence: Soy allergy is most common in infants and young children, but it can appear at any age. Many children outgrow their soy allergy by the time they are 10. While it is one of the “Big 8,” the prevalence of soy allergy is generally lower compared to other major allergens like milk, eggs, and peanuts.
Labeling: Due to its allergenic potential, soy is required to be clearly identified on food labels in many countries, including the U.S. and the European Union. This is crucial for individuals with a soy allergy to avoid foods containing soy.
Soy-derived products: It’s important to note that while soy is an allergen, highly refined soy oil and soy lecithin are generally considered safe for most people with a soy allergy because the allergenic protein is largely removed during processing. However, a person with a very high sensitivity may still react, so it’s always best to consult with a doctor or allergist.
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Thanks for sharing
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Great
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