The causes of anaemia in the elderly can be broadly classified under three main categories: nutritional deficiency (iron, folate or vitamin B12), anaemia of inflammation or of chronic disease, and unexplained anaemia.11 These three causes of anaemia have also been linked with low albumin blood level (hypoalbuminaemia), which was acknowledged to be a significant risk factor for mortality and morbidity in older persons.12 Anaemia and hypoalbuminaemia in older people have been shown to be associated with frailty, which also has a close relationship with their impaired nutritional status.12 This evidence concerns the gene ALB and anemia.