Frequently Asked Questions
Peanut Allergy and the Risk of a Severe Reaction to Soy
FAAN has received a large number of calls from members whose children have peanut allergy. The members are concerned that their children may be at risk of having a severe or fatal reaction to soy, because of their peanut allergy. We have compiled the following “Q&A” to address the questions on this topic that we have been receiving:
How often does a person with peanut allergy also have a soy allergy?
Most children with peanut allergy tolerate soy. In most studies, a peanut-allergic person had less than a one-in-20 chance (less than 5 percent) of also having a soy allergy. The highest rate of allergy to soy was found in a study of 31 young children with peanut allergy, where 6.5 percent also had a soy allergy. With time, they all outgrew their soy allergy. Though soy and peanut are both beans (legumes), it is possible to be allergic to soy and not peanut, or to peanut and not soy.
How often do people with peanut allergies develop soy allergies, if they have been eating and tolerating soy?
There are no studies that have directly addressed this question, but most studies show that a soy allergy is outgrown in early childhood, and there are no studies documenting a recurrence of soy allergy.
Is it worth having my peanut-allergic child who tolerates soy tested to soy?
Since both of these foods are beans, it is very common for a child with peanut allergy to test positive to soy, even though soy is tolerated with no symptoms. In fact, nearly half of those with a peanut allergy would test positive to soy, even though almost all who test positive to soy tolerate it. Therefore, testing to soy once soy is already a tolerated part of the diet is not generally recommended.
What is known about fatal reactions to soy in the context of peanut allergy?
In 1999, a study reported in a publication from Sweden identified four fatalities to foods that contained soy. The four individuals had peanut allergy and asthma, but had previously tolerated soy. This report was unusual and raised concern, because fatal reactions to soy are extremely uncommon. The four deaths in Sweden were caused by hamburger (three cases) and kebob (one case). Realizing that most persons with peanut allergy tolerate soy and never report reactions, scientists raised questions about the Swedish report that still remain incompletely answered. For example, was it possible that there was something else in these specific meat products – for example, peanut contamination or another ingredient – that led to these reactions? Though there was one fatality to soy reported in 1991, recent reports of 48 fatalities from the U.K. and 63 from the U.S. did not find a single fatality that was attributed to soy.
Should my child with peanut allergy, who has tolerated soy, avoid soy?
Unnecessarily restricting foods can put an individual at risk for dietary deficiencies, and also carries social and emotional consequences. If you have any concerns about your child’s food allergy, including peanut or soy allergy, talk to your allergist. Do not make changes to your diet without speaking to your doctor.
Learn additional information about peanut, soy, and other common allergens.
|
