Iron deficiency commonly results in which condition?

• A. Anemia
• B. Polycythemia
• C. Leukopenia
• D. Thrombocytopenia

Answer: (A)

Iron is a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. When iron stores are low, hemoglobin synthesis drops, so red blood cells end up with less hemoglobin and are often smaller and paler. This reduces their ability to carry oxygen, leading to iron-deficiency anemia. The other options involve different blood cell lines or an overproduction of red cells, which iron deficiency does not cause.