Should People With Soy Allergies Avoid Soy Foam Products?

Posted by Robin, BiOH Polyols Global Regulatory Affairs Manager on April 3, 2009

The short answer to this question is generally no. The allergenic substance to the vast majority of people in soybeans (and other allergens) is protein, while soy-based BiOH® polyols used in foam are made from refined soybean oil. If protein is present in refined soybean oil, it is at such low levels that it typically does not cause an allergic reaction.

But since a number of people have asked about this topic and I am a techie at heart – please read on.

You probably know someone with food allergies. Food allergies have received a lot of attention because 6 – 7 million Americans (2 – 2.5% of the population) suffer from them. The majority of food allergies are from eight products or groups of products: eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts and wheat. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Food allergies can be scary and dangerous – accounting for 30,000 emergency room visits a year and 150 – 200 deaths according to the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program (FARRP).

Typically allergies are an exaggerated immune response of sensitive individuals to protein. Because refined soybean oil contains only very minute quantities of proteins, it is not considered allergenic. In fact, it has been shown not to be allergenic to individuals sensitive to soy protein. (R. K. Bush, et al., J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 76:242-245 [1985]). Soy allergies by inhalation have also been studied and shown to be caused by protein; interestingly, they are caused by different proteins.

BiOH polyols are produced starting with RBD (refined, bleached and deodorized) soybean oil. The RBD process includes a series of rigorous physical and chemical purification steps. Each step purifies the soybean oil and removes more protein from the oil. And then, BiOH polyols are processed under conditions that would typically destroy protein. By the time the soy-based BiOH polyols are reacted into foam for your sofa or mattress, there should be little to no soy protein left or accessible for an allergenic reaction.

So that’s the technical explanation. Any questions?

Filed Under: BiOH® Polyols, Eco-friendly Furniture, Eco-friendly Sleep, Soy Foam

Doug said on April 17, 2009:

I was just asked about allergic reactions to soy today. I had no answer for my customer but told them I would look into it and get back with them. Thanks to your informative post. All though I am not a pro in this field, I will do my best to educate others and spread the message.
Thank you.
Chris said on September 27, 2010:

While that all sounds well and good, who is going to back the safety of soy foam safety for individuals with soy allergies so that if they buy a product (such as a car) which contains soy foam in its seat does have a reaction to the soy, the company or soy board will reimburse them for the item so they get a replacement (if they are not dead from the allergic reaction)? Sound insane, but if the soy board is so certain that soy foam is safe, then why not back it?
Nicole, BiOH Polyols Assistant Marketing Manager said on October 1, 2010:

Chris,

As stated above, the three key points are:
1. The allergenic substance to the vast majority of people in soybeans (and other allergens) is protein, while soy-based BiOH® polyols used in foam are made from refined soybean oil. If protein is present in refined soybean oil, it is at such low levels that it typically does not cause an allergic reaction.

2. Typically allergies are an exaggerated immune response of sensitive individuals to protein. Because refined soybean oil contains only very minute quantities of proteins, it is not considered allergenic.

3. By the time the soy-based BiOH polyols are reacted into foam for your sofa or mattress, there should be little to no soy protein left or accessible for an allergenic reaction.

However, we cannot speak for the Soybean Board to whom your question is directed. I suggest you contact them @ http://www.unitedsoybean.org to clarify their position on the topic.

Thank you!
S. said on April 19, 2011:

Nice, but I have a severe reaction to soybean oil in very small amounts… even a trace of it in a gelcap pill will make me very very sick for a long time. From gastric distress, nasal polyps, and hives to severe life threatening asthma lowered heart-rate.
I’m not *typical* but to call soybean oil *not allergenic* is just downright dangerous to the uninformed!
Is that why it’s in all shortening and bread now too? I can’t eat anything from the stores since they started using soybean oil in everything.
S. said on April 19, 2011:

Asthma *AND* lowered heart rate. (sorry)
Nicole, BiOH Polyols Assistant Marketing Manager said on April 19, 2011:

S,
We understand your concern and don’t claim to be the authority on allergies. We simply state in the points above that a portion of the chemical formulation which is traditional petroleum oil is replaced with soybean oil. The finished foam product is an internal component of furniture and mattresses typically not exposed on the outside and highly unlikely to be ingested as a food source. It’s entirely each individual consumer’s choice regarding what products they purchase and we are simply offering an alternative to petroleum based products for those who are interested.