Which type of anemia is characterized by normocytic normochromic red blood cells?

The type of anemia characterized by normocytic normochromic red blood cells is indeed anemia of prematurity. This condition occurs in premature infants due to inadequate erythropoiesis, along with a decreased lifespan of red blood cells. In these cases, the red blood cell indices typically show normal size (normocytic) and normal hemoglobin concentration (normochromic) because the production of red blood cells is insufficient to meet the body's needs, but the cells that are produced have a normal appearance.

In contrast, other types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia, typically present as microcytic hypochromic due to reduced hemoglobin synthesis caused by a lack of iron. Thalassemia also leads to microcytic hypochromic anemia because of defective hemoglobin production. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is associated with macrocytic red blood cells, resulting from impaired DNA synthesis, which leads to larger-than-normal red blood cells. Therefore, the distinct feature of anemia of prematurity lies in its normocytic and normochromic characteristics, differentiating it from these other forms of anemia.