Which fat-soluble vitamin is crucial for blood clotting?

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting because it plays a key role in the synthesis of certain proteins that are necessary for the formation of blood clots. Specifically, vitamin K is involved in the production of clotting factors in the liver, which are critical for the regulation of coagulation during the healing process when there is an injury. Without adequate vitamin K, the body would struggle to control bleeding, making it vital for maintaining hemostasis.

In contrast, vitamin C is primarily important for immune function and collagen synthesis, vitamin E functions mainly as an antioxidant protecting cells from damage, and vitamin D is essential for calcium metabolism and bone health, but does not directly influence the clotting process. This is why vitamin K is the correct answer regarding its role in blood clotting.