Soy Lecithin Allergy Symptoms – Is It Safe for Soy Intolerance?

Soy lecithin is a supplement made from the soy plant, which is a source of phospholipids that are important for brain health and liver function. Made up of fatty acids, a glycerol head and a phosphate group, this lipid is an important part of cell membranes.

Soy lecithin is added to many food products and used for health purposes that include skin care and memory support. Lecithin also contains the nutrient choline, which is the precursor for acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter linked to cognitive function and attention.

People with a common soy allergy may wonder whether soy lecithin is safe to take. There is a low risk of soy lecithin allergy, although adverse reactions are possible.

Lecithin

Nutrient Supplement

Brain Health

Memory Function

Metabolism

How It Works:

• Natural source of Phosphatidyl Choline
• Provides nervous system support
• Promotes memory function & brain cell health

Dosage:

Between 1 - 35 g per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Uses of Soy Lecithin

Lecithin is a phospholipid that your body needs to promote generally health and well-being. It is found naturally in egg yolks, nuts, spinach and certain organ meats.

Many people do not get enough phospholipids in their diet and do not consume optimal amounts of choline. Using a lecithin supplement made from soybeans can boost dietary intake of phospholipids, which could have beneficial effects on health.

Soy lecithin is used in processed foods as an emulsifier and preservative. The FDA has rated it as generally recognized as safe, or GRAS, for food product use.

Lecithin supplements also have a number of purported medicinal uses. People commonly use soy lecithin for skin conditions and for other health ailments, including high cholesterol, dementia and disease of the liver or gallbladder.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, Lecithin is rated as Possibly Effective for hepatic steatosis and is often used to support liver health. More research is needed to rate many of its other medicinal uses.

There is not enough research to determine whether lecithin is effective for dry skin, dermatitis, athletic performance, hyperlipidemia, mania, Parkinson’s disease, tardive dyskinesia or Friedreich’s ataxia.

The Natural Medicines Database rates this supplement as likely ineffective for dementia, age-related memory impairment or for treating head injuries.

Soy Lecithin Allergy

A soybean allergy is common, especially in young children. However, just because you are allergic to soybeans does not mean you will be allergic to lecithin derived from soy products.

Soy lecithin does not have the same incidence of allergy. The protein fraction of the soybean is its allergenic component. Processing of soy lecithin extracts most of the protein.

While miniscule levels remain in the finished product, the amount does not seem to induce an allergic reaction, explains the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Food Allergy Research and Resource Program.

However, researchers clarify that highly sensitive people may experience an allergic reaction to the protein in soy lecithin. [2]

One study analyzed soy lecithin proteins to determine whether soybean allergy extends to this product. Researchers determined that lecithin proteins caused less of an immune system reaction than a soy allergy. [3]

You can also buy lecithin also comes in different formats, including ones not originating from soy. These include sunflower lecithin and egg-based lecithin. These may be suitable alternatives for people who experience an allergy or intolerance to soy lecithin.

Signs of a Soy Lecithin Allergic Reaction

Soy lecithin allergy symptoms are identical to a soybean allergy since the source of the allergy is the same. A soy lecithin allergy and rash or hives often coincide.

Other symptoms include mouth itchiness, digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, nasal congestion, asthma symptoms such as wheezing, and/or runny nose.

In some rare cases, an allergy to soy protein leads to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that causes throat swelling, breathing troubles and a decrease in blood pressure. Emergency medical treatment is needed if this reaction occurs. [4]

Another consideration is a potential connection between soy lecithin and soy intolerance. Small children can develop Milk Soy Protein Intolerance, or MSPI.

These children show digestive reactions to soy proteins from damage to the digestive tract’s inner lining. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, bloody stools and vomiting. The child may lose weight and be irritable. [5]

A clinical presentation notes additional potential symptoms from soy protein intolerance, explaining that this type of intolerance may show differing reactions among patients ranging in age.

Listed symptoms include rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, skin hives or swelling, constipation, allergic proctocolitis, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, eosinophilic gastroenteritis and the malabsorption syndrome intestinal villous atrophy. [6]

How Soy Lecithin is Used

Soy lecithin is sold in different formulations as a health supplement and skin care ingredient. It is found in liquid, granule, powder and soft gel capsule formats.

If you have an allergy to oral consumption of soy lecithin granules, ask an allergist whether you can safely use lecithin topically for skin conditions or everyday moisturizing. A report of topical use found it nonirritating overall to human skin. [1]

General Safety of Lecithin

Besides the risk of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, lecithin is rated as Likely Safe by the Natural Medicines Database. In research studies, it is well tolerated with a low frequency of side effects.

Some mild to moderate adverse effects have been reported, including stomach discomfort, nausea and other digestive concerns.

There are no known drug interactions when soy lecithin is consumed orally. This supplement could interact with Voltaren gel (Diclofenac), increasing the absorption of this gel when applied topically. Lecithin could affect serum cortisol levels, which could interfere with lab tests designed to measure cortisol.

There is insufficient evidence available to determine whether medicinal use of lecithin is safe for pregnant or nursing women. It should be avoided in these populations out of an abundance of caution, unless instructed to take it by your doctor.

If you are allergic to soy products, it is possible that you could experience an allergic reaction when taking soy lecithin in supplement form or ingesting it in foods. This is unlikely, but possible in highly sensitive people. Negative effects could also be experienced due to soy intolerance.

If you experience allergy symptoms from soy lecithin, discontinue use and speak to a doctor to determine whether it is okay for you to use this product in the future. There are other forms of lecithin supplements available that are not derived from soy. Check with a doctor to find out if these alternative sources are appropriate for you to take.

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