What is soy allergy?

When your child has a soy allergy and eats soy, your child's body reacts as if the soy is trying to cause harm. It fights back by setting off an allergic reaction. A mild reaction may include a few raised, red, itchy patches of skin (called hives). A severe reaction may cause hives all over, swelling in the throat, trouble breathing, or fainting. It can also cause belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This is called anaphylaxis (say "ANN-uh-fuh-LAK-suss"). It can be deadly.

A good way to prevent your child's allergic reaction is to avoid the foods that cause it. Soy foods include tofu, tempeh, and soy milk. Soy can also be found in many processed foods like cereals, crackers and canned soup. An allergy doctor or a dietitian may be able to help you understand which foods will be okay and what to avoid. Learn what to do if your child has a reaction.