Soy Allergies and your Baby - When Can Your Baby Have Soy Products such as Tofu and Edamame?

Soy is a very confusing food item when it comes to using it as a baby food. While we know that soy is a top allergen, we also know of conflicting information about the benefits and negatives of eating or drinking soy products.

One of the biggest sources of confusion is why soy is made into baby formula

If Soy is an allergen, why is there Infant Formula that is made out of Soy?

There are some infants who are formula fed that simply cannot tolerate the milk proteins and/or lactose found in commercial infant formulas. These infants may exhibit symptoms such as "colic", projectile vomiting after each bottle and/or an overall unwell and physical and emotional appearance. For these infants, the first alternative formula that most pediatricians prescribe is a soy based infant formula. Most infants who are put on a soy formula are able to tolerate the formula without any negative side-effects.

What is soy and when can baby eat soy??

Soy is from soybeans and many different soy products are made from the soybean. Soy beans have been cultivated for centuries by many cultures and are considered to be wonderful sources of protein, iron and calcium. Soy is not a good choice as a first food and might be best offered when baby has been eating a variety of foods.

What is types of foods are made with soy?

Soy products come in many different forms. Tofu, is probably the most recognized form of soy available in most grocery stores. Edamame, is another form of soy. Edamame "is a green vegetable more commonly known as a soybean, harvested at the peak of ripening right before it reaches the "hardening" time. The word Edamame means "Beans on Branches," and it grows in clusters on bushy branches."

Purchase only Non-GMO and Organic Soy Products when ever possible!

Symptoms of Soy Allergy

As with any allergic reaction, a soy allergy occurs when the body mistakes soy as a harmful invader. Diagnosing a soy allergy in an infant is really hit or miss and that is why it is very important to follow the 4 Day Wait Rule when introducing your baby to new foods. It is also important to not use Soy as a first food.

Allergic rhinitis
Asthma
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal symptoms
hives
Nausea
Oral allergy syndrome (symptoms appear around the mouth, lips and throat)
Vomiting
Wheezing
Anaphylaxis

If you feel that your baby may have a soy allergy, you may want to consult your pediatrician and ask about the appropriateness of beginning an Allergy Elimination Diet. If a Mom is breastfeeding and eating soy products, Mom may also want to cut soy out of her diet for 3 weeks to help further determine if the suspect is indeed soy.

Finding Hidden Soy

If you find that your baby is indeed allergic to soy, you may want to take note of all the other names for soy products that are used as ingredients in many foods. Be sure to avoid giving your child foods that contain any of the following ingredients:

hydrolyzed soy protein
miso
shoyo sauce
soy flour
soy grits
soy nuts
soy milk
soy sprouts
soy protein concentrate
soy protein isolate
soy sauce
tempeh
textured vegetable protein (TVP)
tofu

Other possible sources of soy or soy products:

flavorings
hydrolyzed plant protein
hydrolyzed vegetable protein
natural flavoring
vegetable broth
vegetable gum
vegetable starch

More ways to avoid soy and soy products:

Contact the manufacture to identify the natural flavorings in foods. Ask if they use soy as a carrier protein for the natural flavoring.
Flavorings may be soy based.
Hydrolyzed plant and hydrolyzed vegetable protein in the US are likely to be soy.
Contact the company to identify vegetable broth, gums, and starches, as they have the potential to be soy.

Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.