The tendency of a substance to cause allergic reactions.

(See allergenic potency) The potential of a substance to cause allergies.Malfunction of the immune system, which leads to an overproduction of antibodies.

The state of hypersensitivity of the body's immune system in response to exposure to specific substances (allergens), such as pollen, bee stings, poison ivy, drugs or certain foods. The incidence of true food allergy is about 1 to 2 percent in adults. Only a very small percentage (0.5%) of the population is allergic to soy.