Edition: U.S. / Global

Soy Protein Can Cause An Allergic Reaction

Published: August 10, 1995

To the Editor:

Re your Aug. 3 front-page article on health benefits from soy protein: You suggest there is no apparent downside to the addition of soy protein to foods.

In my case, and I assume I am not alone, this is not true. Because protein extracts often contain free glutamate, I suffer the same slew of unpleasant symptoms associated wih monosodium glutamate, MSG. These include severe headaches, irregular heartbeat, sweating and excessive nervous energy, thirst and hunger. Just as some people are sensitive to the protein wheat gluten, I am to soy protein extract.

I hope that food companies will exercise discretion and not add soy protein to all foods, making it next to impossible for me to prepare a meal. ERIK M. JAFFE Springfield, N.J., Aug. 3, 1995