Which of the following vitamins is primarily essential for the synthesis of collagen?

BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 30July-2025

Explanation

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential cofactor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase.
These enzymes catalyze the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues during the synthesis of procollagen.
This hydroxylation is a critical post-translational modification that allows for the formation of a stable triple-helix structure, giving collagen its strength.
A deficiency in Vitamin C leads to the production of weak, unstable collagen, resulting in impaired wound healing and the signs of scurvy.

Option B: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin primarily involved in vision, immune function, and cellular differentiation, not directly in the synthesis of collagen.
Option C: Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for blood coagulation. It acts as a cofactor for the carboxylation of glutamate residues in clotting factors.
Option D: Vitamin E is a major lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage. It does not have a primary role in collagen synthesis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Biochemical role of vitamins in protein synthesis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must assess patients for signs of Vitamin C deficiency, especially those at risk, such as the elderly, individuals with malnutrition, or chronic alcohol users. Key signs include poor wound healing, bleeding gums, and petechiae.
Patient education should include dietary sources of Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), berries, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables, to promote adequate intake and support tissue repair.
In a clinical setting, delayed wound healing in a post-surgical patient should prompt the nurse to consider nutritional deficiencies, including Vitamin C, and advocate for a nutritional assessment and potential supplementation.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of the specific biochemical functions of different vitamins.
First, identify the key process in the question stem: 'synthesis of collagen'.
Next, systematically review the primary function of each vitamin listed in the options.
Recall that Vitamin C is directly involved in the enzymatic reactions that stabilize the collagen molecule.
Eliminate the other options by matching them to their primary roles: Vitamin A for vision, Vitamin K for blood clotting, and Vitamin E as an antioxidant.
Confirm the link between Vitamin C and collagen to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) pp. 149-151, 150-152

E6 Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry2023 (pp 26-793 of 813) p. 726-727