This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Physiology
[{'content': 'Which of the following is most likely to cause a hypochromic microcytic anemia? \nSelect and explain. \nA. Folate deficiency, B. Hereditary spherocytosis, C. Iron deficiency anemia, D. Sickle cell anemia', 'role': 'user'}, {'content': "Answer: C \nExplanation: 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.", 'role': 'assistant'}]