What deficiency is associated with macrocytic-normochromic anemia?

Macrocytic-normochromic anemia is primarily associated with deficiencies in folic acid and vitamin B12. In this type of anemia, red blood cells are larger than normal (macrocytic) and have a normal hemoglobin concentration (normochromic), which is characteristic of this condition.

Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation, while vitamin B12 plays a critical role in the production of healthy red blood cells and the maintenance of the central nervous system. A deficiency in either folic acid or vitamin B12 leads to impaired red blood cell maturation, resulting in the production of larger cells that do not function effectively.

In contrast, iron deficiency typically leads to microcytic-hypochromic anemia, characterized by smaller red blood cells with reduced hemoglobin content. Vitamin C deficiency primarily affects collagen synthesis and is not directly related to red blood cell formation. While hypoxia can lead to various forms of anemia through different mechanisms, it does not specifically result in macrocytic-normochromic anemia. Therefore, the correct association with macrocytic-normochromic anemia is indeed folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency.