Which micronutrients are commonly cited as supporting injury healing in addition to adequate protein and calories?

• A. Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc
• B. Vitamin K alone
• C. Biotin and folic acid only
• D. Magnesium and potassium exclusively

Answer: (A)

Injury healing relies on more than just enough calories and protein—the body also needs specific micronutrients that directly support tissue repair. Vitamin C is crucial because it acts as a cofactor for enzymes that hydroxylate collagen molecules, enabling proper collagen production and cross-linking, which gives new tissue strength. Zinc plays a key role as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and collagen formation, all of which are essential for tissue repair and immune defense. Vitamin D supports bone healing and helps modulate immune and inflammatory responses, which can influence how well healing proceeds.

These three are commonly cited together because they directly underpin the structural rebuilding of tissue and the immune environment around a healing injury. Other options don’t provide the same direct, well-established linkage to wound repair: Vitamin K centers on coagulation rather than ongoing tissue synthesis; biotin and folic acid are important for metabolism and DNA synthesis but aren’t as specifically tied to wound healing as the trio above; magnesium and potassium are essential electrolytes and cofactors with broad roles, but they aren’t the specific micronutrients most emphasized for promoting injury repair.