Two possible interpretations of the poor correlation between serum ferritin and AGP and CRP in the 0.5- to 6-month postpartum/lactation period are (1) body iron stores are so reduced that moderate inflammation is not sufficient to increase serum ferritin concentrations, and (2) as suggested by Jorgensen et al, pathologic inflammation resulting from infection or other chronic disease is more potent in increasing serum ferritin levels than a physiologic condition such as childbirth.16,26-31. The gene discussed is ATP5MK; the disease is infection.