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The initial question was whether it was logical to assume a connection
between soy and the bruising typical of a reduced platelet count.

There were 7 replies:

1. One (a nurse)  has (as do I) the anti-platelet antibody which causes
chronically low platelets, that developed during the time she was the
sickest with as yet undiagnosed celiac disease - This person has a usual
count of 80-100K, and tends to bruise a little easier than most people,
but otherwise no major problems. Also has MS, and assumes that when the
immune system isn't functioning at it's peak capacity, more than one thing
can go wrong with it.

2. One thinks the conclusion is sound one (that there is a connection
between soy and bruising). Acupuncture might help with edema and joint
pain.

3. One suggested that radiation (I had just finished a course of
radiation therapy for breast cancer) can cause low platelets.
Also,heart docs push Vit E to protect the heart especially after an
attack. Suggested reviewing intake of Vit K ( cause of brusing).

4. One had the same symptoms when she accidently ingested soy.  This
person took years to figure out an intolerance to soy.  Had a severe
reaction to a small amount in a progesterone pill.

5. One  was diagnosed with ITP (an autoimmune platelet disease), several
years before being diagnosed with celiac disease.  Since they are both
autoimmune diseases, unfortunately it's not unusual to have them both.
ITP may have to be treated with steroids if it gets bad.   The only time
that it was a real problem was during and after pregnancy, and all three
of my children were born with a normal platelet count (one has celiac
disease).  Platelet count seems to change along with hormonal changes.

6. One wonders whether celiacs are now to avoid soy...

7. One points out that Vitamin E is often derived from wheatgerm oil.

In the meantime, I looked up Vitamin E in the Balch & Balch
"Prescription for Nutritional Healing"--which I find to be an invaluable
reference, and it is contained in soy.  When I stopped eating soy the
joint pain went away as did the bruising.  The edema persists, however,
and I suspect a new food sensitivity--corn or rice perhaps.

The proof that Vitamin E is the culprit for the platelet effect is that
I recently discovered flax seed, and have been adding it to bread,
muffins, etc.  Voila.  More bruising.  The culprit?  Flax seed is rich
in Vitamin E.

Nancy in nyc

PS Sorry this has taken so long to get to the list but life has dealt
new celiac complications to my family and I have been extremely busy
meeting new challenges.   I must say that all I have learned from this
list has helped more than any source of medical advice in meeting the
needs of my suddenly terribly ill (now thanks to the gluten-free diet,
much better) adult son.