Which Vitamin stimulates some Clotting Factors?

MP CHO-2020

Applied Nutrition & Dietetics

Easy

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the synthesis of specific blood clotting factors in the liver.
It acts as a coenzyme for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which modifies clotting factors to make them functional.
The specific clotting factors that depend on Vitamin K for their synthesis are Factors II (Prothrombin), VII, IX, and X.
This modification allows the clotting factors to bind with calcium, which is a necessary step for the blood clotting cascade to proceed.

Option A: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for red blood cell maturation and neurological function. Its deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and nerve damage, but it is not involved in the synthesis of clotting factors.
Option B: Vitamin A (retinol) is crucial for vision (especially night vision), immune system function, and maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. It does not play a direct role in the coagulation cascade.
Option C: Vitamin E (tocopherol) is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage. It does not stimulate clotting factor production; in fact, very high doses of Vitamin E can antagonize Vitamin K's action and increase the risk of bleeding.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain The role of vitamins in blood coagulation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing intervention is the prophylactic administration of Vitamin K injection to all newborns shortly after birth to prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB), as they have low stores and a sterile gut that cannot synthesize it.
For patients on warfarin (an anticoagulant that antagonizes Vitamin K), nurses must monitor the Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) to ensure therapeutic levels and prevent bleeding or clotting complications.
Patient education is vital. Nurses should advise patients on warfarin to maintain a consistent dietary intake of Vitamin K (found in green leafy vegetables) rather than avoiding it, as fluctuations can destabilize their INR.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concept in the question stem: the relationship between a vitamin and 'Clotting Factors'.
Recall the primary functions of the vitamins listed in the options.
Associate the term 'coagulation' or 'clotting' with Vitamin K. A useful mnemonic is that 'K' comes from the German word 'Koagulation'.
Systematically rule out the other options by recalling their main roles: Vitamin B12 for blood cells and nerves, Vitamin A for vision, and Vitamin E as an antioxidant.
Confirm that Vitamin K is the only vitamin listed that is directly required for the synthesis of specific clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X).
Select the option that correctly identifies this relationship.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QYjuKOatxEkZfbE5gjCJ4M

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 1 (pp 26-420 of 840) p. 121-123

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 526-528

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 517-519