In bivariate models, Hb concentration was negatively associated with HbSS genotype, homozygous α+thalassemia, malaria, CRP, AGP, vitamin A deficiency (low inflammation-adjusted RBP), and iron deficiency (low inflammation-adjusted ferritin) and positively associated with plasma folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations (Table 3). Here, CRP is linked to malaria.