Anemia of prematurity is primarily due to which of the following?

Anemia of prematurity primarily arises from increased destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) in premature infants. These infants often exhibit lower levels of erythropoietin, which is crucial for stimulating the production of RBCs. Additionally, the immature nature of their bone marrow limits effective erythropoiesis. Premature infants have a shorter lifespan of their red blood cells due to factors such as increased fragility and a lack of adequate reserves, which can lead to a higher rate of hemolysis.

In this context, while other options like decreased dietary iron in the mother or placental insufficiency can affect fetal iron levels, they are not the primary causes of anemia of prematurity. The production of fetal RBCs would be relevant in a different context, particularly regarding gestational age and the normal life cycle of red blood cells, but it does not accurately represent the primary factor for anemia in these preterm infants. Thus, the increased destruction of RBCs stands out as the key reason for the development of anemia of prematurity.