Which of the following is most likely to cause a hypochromic microcytic anemia?
Folate deficiency
Hereditary spherocytosis
Iron deficiency anemia
Sickle cell anemia
Conditions that produce microcytic anemia include iron deficiency, thalassemia minor, anemia of chronic disease, and the anemia produced by erythrocyte fragmentation. Folate deficiency usually produces a macrocytic anemia. Hereditary spherocytosis usually produces an anemia with cells of normal volume. Sickle cell anemia usually produces an anemia with cells of normal volume. Ref: Barrett K.E., Barman S.M., Boitano S., Brooks H.L. (2012). Chapter 26. Digestion, Absorption, & Nutritional Principles. In K.E. Barrett, S.M. Barman, S. Boitano, H.L. Brooks (Eds), Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 24e.