Severe reactions after the intake of soy drink in birch pollen-allergic children sensitized to Gly m 4.

Aim: To study the connection between reaction to soy milk and IgE sensitization to Gly m 4.

Methods: Four subjects who experienced unforeseen and severe symptoms after the ingestion of soymilk were studied.

Results: All children were birch pollen allergic, had high IgE responses to the PR-10 proteins from birch and soybean, Bet v 1 and Gly m 4. All reactions took place after the ingestion of soymilk during the peak pollen season.

Conclusion: This is the first time soybean-dependant pollen-food cross-reaction has been reported in children experiencing reactions during the birch pollen season. These findings may well be helpful to doctors in identifying individuals at risk of severe reactions upon the ingestion of soymilk, and we foresee an increase in the number of similar cases as soy drinks are promoted for health purposes.