Which condition is characterized by microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells?

Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells. In this condition, the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, which is essential for red blood cells to carry oxygen. As a result, the red blood cells produced are smaller than normal (microcytic) and have less color (hypochromic) due to reduced hemoglobin content. This leads to the typical laboratory findings associated with iron deficiency anemia.

In contrast, the other conditions listed result in different types of anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency and folate deficiency anemia usually produce macrocytic red blood cells, which are larger than normal due to impaired DNA synthesis leading to improper maturation. Hemolytic anemia involves the destruction of red blood cells, which can result in a variety of morphologies depending on the underlying cause but does not specifically lead to the microcytic, hypochromic characteristics seen in iron deficiency anemia.