According to a recent news article, research out of Illinois and Madrid shows that fermenting soybeans reduces the allergenicity of the beans by breaking down the proteins into small pieces so that they don’t provoke an allergic reaction. This research suggests that soy products in the future could be made to be hypoallergenic, allowing allergic individuals to eat them.
What is not clear from the article is if the fermentation process has to be done with specific bacteria (the bacteria that was used in the study) in order to break down the proteins, or any bacteria. There are already soy products that are fermented — soy sauce, miso, tempeh — but to my knowledge soy allergic or intolerant people cannot eat these things.
So, while this study seems promising, the reality is that food producers would have to change their manufacturing processes to include a fermentation step, and perhaps a very specific one. This of course means more time and more money on the part of the manufacturers… and therefore, we probably will not see this change come about anytime soon, if ever.
Sorry to be seeing half-empty, but I would rather (in the long meantime) see manufacturers take the soy out of their products. It is unbelievable to me how many products contain soy! My daughter has, and I believe I do also, an intolerance to soy, and while it is avoidable, it is just plain annoying how many foods contain soy for no reason (except that it’s cheap). I think it’s time that food manufacturers take responsibility for their ingredients and stop feeding people crap. Seriously. It’s disgusting. Am I right people?
Related reading: Soy Allergy Basics
Shannon @ some fine taters says
The soy additive thing is seriously irritating. The one that really sent me over the top was when they started adding it to the water packed tuna!
Rebekah says
I agree totally. Read “The Whole Soy Story” by Kaayla Daniel, PhD. Soy IS NOT a health food as used and promoted by major manufacterers. It’s unhealthy regardless of whether you have a true allergy to it or not. There are many more delicious, safe alternatives that are also healthy.
alison says
Shannon,
I wish they didn’t put soy in snacks…like dried apples!
Rebekah,
Thanks for the tip — I will get that book!
mary condon says
I’m very allergic to soy and wish that they would stop telling people that it is good for them. if it were, it would’nt be so dangerous to people who are allergic. I carry an epi pen with me at all times and don’t feel comfortable going places where i have to eat out since it is in so many things.
biometallica says
most gum contains soy 🙁
also check on lotions and lipstick – they contain soy too
it is my new hobby – finding foods that I can’t eat
Lisa says
Well hello everyone I am new to the group. My daughter is 5yrs old and we just found out she can not have Soy as well. If anyone could give me some advice I would appreciate it. (From the time I have to learn about Soy it’s about as unhealthy as BUSH!!!!!!!!!
Andy & Tracey says
hi,we are very concerned parents of a 6 yr old little girl who is undergoing numerous tests,at present she has allergies to wheat,soya,strawberries,guinea pigs and plasters.if there is anybody out there who can give us any constructive advice we would be very grateful.
alison says
Andy & Tracey,
There are lots of gluten-free foods (they are also wheat-free) and mixes that also do not contain soy. I would start by checking your local health food store to see what products they carry.