Which vitamin is essential for the process of blood coagulation?

Vitamin K is essential for the process of blood coagulation because it plays a crucial role in the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver. These factors, such as prothrombin and factors VII, IX, and X, are vital for the blood clotting cascade and are necessary for proper blood coagulation. Without adequate Vitamin K, the body cannot effectively produce these factors, leading to increased bleeding risk and difficulty in forming clots.

Vitamin K is primarily found in green leafy vegetables and certain oils, and it exists in two forms: K1 (phylloquinone), found in plants, and K2 (menaquinone), produced by gut bacteria and found in animal products. This vitamin's role in coagulation is fundamental, as it helps to activate proteins necessary for blood clot formation, enabling the body to stop bleeding when injuries occur.