What mineral is essential for the blood clotting process?

Calcium is essential for the blood clotting process due to its crucial role in the coagulation cascade. When a blood vessel is injured, a series of reactions occur to form a clot, and calcium ions are necessary for several key steps in this process. They help activate various clotting factors, which are proteins that work together to form a stable clot. Without adequate calcium, the blood coagulation process can be impaired, leading to issues with stopping bleeding.

Iron, while important for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells, does not play a direct role in the clotting mechanism. Potassium and sodium are essential for other bodily functions, such as muscle contraction and nerve signal transmission, but they are not directly involved in the blood coagulation process.