Which role does vitamin C play in wound healing?

• A. It is required for collagen synthesis by supporting hydroxylation of proline and lysine during connective tissue formation.
• B. It directly provides essential fatty acids needed to rebuild cell membranes in damaged tissue.
• C. It promotes wound healing primarily by increasing intestinal calcium absorption and supporting bone mineralization.
• D. It serves as the primary coenzyme for blood clotting factor activation by enabling vitamin K recycling in the liver.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the biological process of wound healing, which involves tissue repair and regeneration, including the formation of new connective tissue.
2. Recognize that collagen is a major structural protein in connective tissue and is essential for wound strength and integrity during healing.
3. Identify the role of vitamin C as a cofactor in the enzymatic hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in collagen synthesis, which stabilizes the collagen triple helix structure.
4. Evaluate the other options by considering the known functions of vitamin C, such as its antioxidant properties and role in collagen formation, and compare them to the roles of other nutrients like essential fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin K.
5. Conclude that vitamin C's primary role in wound healing is supporting collagen synthesis through hydroxylation reactions, which is critical for proper connective tissue formation and wound repair.