The prevalence of maternal anemia (Hb < 12.0 g/dl) and malnutrition (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) among non-pregnant Santal women in the present study highly exceeded regional numbers reported for rural West Bengal in the NFHS-4 (86.2% vs. 64.8, and 49.4% vs. 24.6%) [34], and was still higher than rates reported for females of scheduled tribes (any anemia 75.5%, total underweight 33.2%) [11]. The gene discussed is GSTM1; the disease is nutritional deficiency disease.