Which vitamin is primarily involved in the synthesis of clotting factors?

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Prepare for the NCCAOM Biomedicine Board Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

The synthesis of clotting factors is primarily dependent on Vitamin K, which plays a vital role in the coagulation cascade. This vitamin is crucial for the synthesis of several proteins that are essential for blood clotting, specifically prothrombin and other clotting factors such as VII, IX, and X. Vitamin K acts as a coenzyme for the carboxylation of specific glutamic acid residues on these proteins, which is necessary for their proper function and ability to bind calcium ions. Without sufficient Vitamin K, the body cannot produce these clotting factors effectively, leading to an increased risk of excessive bleeding or hemorrhagic disorders.

The other vitamins mentioned, such as A, D, and E, do not have a direct role in the synthesis of clotting factors. Vitamin A is primarily involved in vision and immune function; Vitamin D is essential for calcium metabolism and bone health; and Vitamin E primarily functions as an antioxidant within the body. Therefore, Vitamin K is the only vitamin that is directly linked to the synthesis of clotting factors, confirming it as the correct answer.

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