Anaemia is a major public health concern, affecting 43% of young children and 38% of pregnant women globally.1 Primary causes of anaemia include micronutrient deficiencies, parasitic infections, such as malaria and hookworm, and inherited haemoglobin (Hb) disorders.2–5Anaemia has several negative consequences on health and may cause low birth weight, preterm birth and perinatal, neonatal and maternal mortality during pregnancy.6 In addition, iron deficiency anaemia has been linked with poor psychomotor development of children and reduced physical performance in adults.7 This evidence concerns the gene GSTM1 and anemia.