Which nutrient is most closely linked to collagen synthesis and wound healing?

Which nutrient is most closely linked to collagen synthesis and wound healing?

• A. Iron
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin A
• D. Potassium

Answer: (B)

Vitamin C is essential for collagen maturation, the protein network that gives strength to skin and other tissues. Collagen fibers need to be hydroxylated on proline and lysine residues to form a stable triple-helix structure, and this step is carried out by enzymes that require iron and vitamin C to function properly. Vitamin C keeps iron in the active, reduced form and serves as a cofactor for these hydroxylase enzymes, enabling proper collagen formation. When vitamin C is lacking, collagen becomes defective, leading to weak connective tissue and slow wound healing, as seen in scurvy. Vitamin C also supports fibroblast activity and protects new collagen from oxidative damage, further aiding repair. While iron is involved in related enzymatic steps, vitamin C directly enables the collagen maturation process, making it the nutrient most closely linked to collagen synthesis and wound healing. Vitamin A helps with epithelial regeneration but doesn’t drive collagen hydroxylation, and potassium isn’t directly involved in collagen production.

Vitamin C is essential for collagen maturation, the protein network that gives strength to skin and other tissues. Collagen fibers need to be hydroxylated on proline and lysine residues to form a stable triple-helix structure, and this step is carried out by enzymes that require iron and vitamin C to function properly. Vitamin C keeps iron in the active, reduced form and serves as a cofactor for these hydroxylase enzymes, enabling proper collagen formation. When vitamin C is lacking, collagen becomes defective, leading to weak connective tissue and slow wound healing, as seen in scurvy. Vitamin C also supports fibroblast activity and protects new collagen from oxidative damage, further aiding repair. While iron is involved in related enzymatic steps, vitamin C directly enables the collagen maturation process, making it the nutrient most closely linked to collagen synthesis and wound healing. Vitamin A helps with epithelial regeneration but doesn’t drive collagen hydroxylation, and potassium isn’t directly involved in collagen production.