What type of anemia is associated with riboflavin deficiency?

Riboflavin deficiency is primarily associated with sideroblastic anemia, which is characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis resulting from impaired hemoglobin synthesis. In this condition, iron is present but is not incorporated into hemoglobin properly, leading to the appearance of sideroblasts in the bone marrow, which are erythroid precursors that contain iron granules.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) plays an essential role in cellular respiration and energy production, including the metabolism of iron and the synthesis of hemoglobin. When riboflavin is deficient, the body struggles to utilize iron effectively, which leads to the characteristic findings seen in sideroblastic anemia.

This connection underscores the importance of riboflavin in maintaining normal erythropoiesis and iron utilization. In contrast, the other types of anemia listed are associated with different deficiencies or pathophysiological processes. Macrocytic anemia is typically linked to deficiencies in vitamin B12 or folate, microcytic anemia is commonly due to iron deficiency or thalassemia, and normocytic anemia can result from chronic disease or acute blood loss.