Soy Allergy
Treatment & Desensitization
Soy Allergy Desensitization in NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side
Soy is one of the most common food allergens, especially among children. Dr. Atul Shah and the team at NY Food Allergy & Wellness specialize in the evaluation and treatment of soy allergies, providing comprehensive and personalized care. Soy is a common ingredient in many processed foods, making it essential to have an accurate diagnosis and effective management plan.
Understanding Soy Allergies
A soy allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to proteins found in soybeans. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, can lead to anaphylaxis. Due to soy's widespread presence in many foods, careful management is critical for those affected.
Soy belongs to the legume family and many patients have multiple allergies to other legumes. Multi-food desensitization allows us to handle most legumes simultaneously. Many of these patients require pollen immunotherapy as well.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Soy Allergies
Symptoms of soy allergies may include:
Skin Reactions: Rashes, itching, hives
Respiratory Issues: Shortness of breath, wheezing, nasal congestion
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea
Anaphylaxis: A severe reaction that requires urgent medical attention
Food Allergy Testing for Soy
At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, we are proud to offer the Basophil Activation Test (BAT), a cutting edge diagnostic tool for identifying food allergies. This advanced test measures the activation of basophils, a type of white blood cell, in response to allergens. The BAT provides highly accurate results and can detect allergic reactions that might not be identified through traditional testing methods.
We are the only certified lab in the region offering the Basophil Activation Test. Our certification ensures that we maintain the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in our testing procedures. By choosing NY Food Allergy & Wellness for your allergy testing needs, you can be confident that you are receiving the most advanced and reliable diagnostics available.
The Basophil Activation Test is particularly useful for patients who have complex allergy profiles or who have not found answers through conventional tests. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of ongoing allergy treatments, providing valuable insights for personalized care plans.
Key benefits of the Basophil Activation Test include:
High Accuracy: Detects allergic reactions that may not be visible through skin prick or blood tests.
Comprehensive Analysis: Measures the specific activation of basophils, providing detailed information about allergic responses.
Certified Lab: Conducted in our certified lab, ensuring the highest standards of testing quality and reliability.
If you suspect you have a food allergy and need precise and reliable testing, the Basophil Activation Test at NY Food Allergy & Wellness is an excellent choice. Contact us today to learn more about this innovative test and to schedule your appointment.
Oral Food Challenges are considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies. During an OFC, the patient consumes small amounts of the suspected allergen under strict medical supervision to observe any reactions. This method provides definitive results and is conducted with the utmost care and safety.
Skin prick tests are a quick and effective way to identify specific allergens. During the test, a small amount of allergen is placed on the skin, which is then gently pricked to allow the allergen to enter. Results are typically visible within 15–20 minutes, making it a fast and reliable option.
Needle free tests are ideal for children and needle phobic patients. Using advanced technology, these tests provide precise results without the discomfort associated with traditional testing methods.
Blood tests are highly accurate and comprehensive, suitable for all age groups. They measure the presence of specific IgE antibodies in the blood, which can indicate an allergy. This method is particularly useful for patients who cannot undergo skin testing.
IgE specific to peanut components are very helpful in accurate diagnosis of true peanut allergy compared to false positives due to underlying tree pollen allergy. Ara h 2 and Ara h 6 are considered components with potential for systemic reactions.
Managing Soy Allergies in Daily Life
Effective soy allergy management goes beyond avoiding soy products. NY Food Allergy & Wellness offers tailored advice for safer living:
Reading Food Labels: Soy can appear under many names, including "lecithin," "hydrolyzed vegetable protein," and "soy protein isolate."
Identifying Hidden Sources: Avoiding processed foods that may contain soy derivatives, such as canned soups, baked goods, and sauces.
Dining Out: Learning to communicate your allergy to restaurant staff and choosing dishes that minimize risk.
Emergency Preparedness: Always carrying epinephrine and knowing how to use it in case of accidental soy exposure.
Common Foods Containing Soy:
Soy sauce and soy milk
Tofu and tempeh
Some processed meats
Baked goods and snack foods
Vegetable oil blends
Managing Multiple Food Allergies
At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, our FATE™ (Food Allergy Tolerance Enhancement) Program specializes in managing multiple food allergies through comprehensive diagnostics and desensitization, helping patients achieve greater dietary freedom.
Diagnostic Approach
We begin with:
Detailed Patient History: Reviewing the patient’s medical history and symptoms.
Advanced Testing: Utilizing skin prick tests, blood tests, and the Basophil Activation Test to identify specific allergens and assess reaction severity.
Continuous Support
Regular Follow-ups: Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment plans.
Patient Education: Providing resources and training for effective management.
Support Groups: Facilitating patient support groups for shared experiences and strategies.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Our customized plans aim for food allergy desensitization and may include:
Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): Gradually introducing allergens to desensitize the immune system.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): Administering allergens under the tongue to build tolerance.
Medications: Antihistamines can relieve mild symptoms, while epinephrine is used for severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Omalizumab (Xolair) injections can be considered to reduce the risk or reactions.
Dietary Management: Guidance on safe food choices and avoidance strategies.
Emergency Preparedness: Training on using epinephrine auto-injectors and creating action plans for accidental exposures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms of soy allergy include skin rashes, itching, hives; respiratory issues like shortness of breath, wheezing, and nasal congestion; gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea; and anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that requires urgent medical attention.
Avoid foods containing soy ingredients such as soy sauce, tofu, miso, and many processed foods. Always check food labels for soy derivatives. Source: Food Allergy Research & Education
At NYFA, we recommend checking for allergies to other legumes and avoiding them if necessary.
Soy allergy is one of the most common food allergies, particularly among infants and young children. It often develops in early childhood but may be outgrown. Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Foods high in soy include edamame, tofu, soy sauce, and soy milk. Many vegetarian and vegan foods also use soy as a protein source. Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Soy can be found in some processed meats, baked goods, sauces, and even some candy. Reading ingredient labels carefully is essential. Source: Food Allergy Research & Education
The best treatment for soy allergies currently involves a combination of avoidance, emergency preparedness, and desensitization therapies such as Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) and Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). SLIT and OIT gradually introduce small amounts of soy protein to desensitize the immune system, thereby reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, we provide a comprehensive treatment approach under our FATE™ Program, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to ensure the highest level of care and safety.
Currently, avoidance is a general recommendation, but several treatments can help manage the condition:
Avoidance: The primary treatment involves avoiding soy and related products.
Medications: Antihistamines can relieve mild symptoms, while epinephrine is used for severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Omalizumab (Xolair) injections can be considered to reduce the risk of reactions. Read more.
Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) and Oral Immunotherapy (OIT): These treatment options gradually introduce small amounts of soy to desensitize the immune system over time. Doing OIT with an FDA approved product is an effective option for peanuts, but is not available for soy. At NYFA, we offer SLIT and OIT products and options for soy, based on patient needs (single vs. multi foods) and family preference for safety and the most efficient way to get to freedom.
Soy allergy treatments, particularly desensitization therapies like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), have shown significant success in increasing tolerance to soy and reducing the severity of allergic reactions. Clinical studies have reported that a substantial number of patients can tolerate increased amounts of soy protein after undergoing these treatments, leading to a marked decrease in the risk of severe reactions.
At NY Food Allergy & Wellness, our FATE™ Program has demonstrated positive outcomes, helping patients manage their soy allergies effectively and improve their quality of life.
Soy is a legume and many patients have multiple allergies to other legumes. Multi food desensitization allows us to handle most legumes simultaneously. Many of these patients require pollen immunotherapy as well.
Choose NY Food Allergy & Wellness for soy allergy treatment because of our:
Specialized Expertise: Dr. Atul Shah is a recognized authority in the treatment of food allergies, including soy.
Advanced Therapies: Utilizing the latest treatment options like Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) to manage soy allergies.
Comprehensive Care Approach: Individualized care plans and ongoing support for effective allergy management.
Cutting Edge Facilities: Our clinic is equipped with state of the art diagnostic equipment to deliver accurate and comprehensive testing.
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Dr. Atul Shah, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, is the founder of NY Food Allergy & Wellness & a renowned allergist with over 20 years of experience. With more than 15,000 success stories across children, teens, & adults, Dr. Shah’s expertise knows no age limits. He holds dual fellowships & has been honored with prestigious awards, including America’s Top Physician. Dr. Shah is a leader in allergy care, offering personalized, life-changing treatments.
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New York City Location
110 East 60th St., Suite 708
New York, NY, 10022
Hours of Operation
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm
Sunday/Monday: Closed




