Which condition is characterized by low red blood cell counts?

Anemia is the condition characterized by low red blood cell counts, resulting in decreased hemoglobin levels and insufficient oxygen transport throughout the body. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and pallor. Anemia can arise from various causes, such as iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic diseases, or bone marrow problems.

Leukemia involves the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells and does not directly relate to low red blood cell counts. Polycythemia is the term for an increased number of red blood cells, which is fundamentally opposite to the condition described. Thrombocytopenia refers to a low platelet count, affecting blood clotting rather than red blood cell levels. Each of these conditions presents distinct physiological characteristics and impacts the body's function in different ways.