Upon admission to the study, all participants underwent a blood test to assess levels of some vitamins and minerals, albumin and anemia indicators (hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells counts) in relation to intestinal absorption, as well as markers of infection/inflammation such as immunoglobulin, C-reactive protein, ferritin, and leukocyte count. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is anemia (phenotype).