Final answer:
Stage 1 iron deficiency is characterized by absent anemia, normal MCV, and decreased ferritin levels, so the correct answer is C. absent normal decreased.
Step-by-step explanation:
The following characterizes stage 1 iron deficiency: Anemia is absent, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is normal, and ferritin levels are decreased, hence the correct answer is C. absent normal decreased.
Stage 1 iron deficiency, often referred to as iron depletion, is the initial stage before iron deficiency anemia develops. At this point, the body has used up its iron stores, leading to decreased ferritin levels, but red blood cell production and size (reflected in normal MCV) have not yet been affected, and anemia has not developed. As iron deficiency progresses, eventually leading to anemia, individuals may experience symptoms like weakness or fatigue.