Haptoglobin phenotypes and iron status in children living in a malaria endemic area of Kenyan coast

► We describe the relation of iron status and haptoglobin phenotypes in children in malaria endemic area. ► Children with haptoglobin phenotype 2-2 had significantly higher markers of iron status as compared to those with the other haptoglobin phenotypes, in the absence of malaria infection. ► Haptoglobin phenotype 2-2 had fewer episodes of malaria tending towards significance. ► More studies are required to evaluate in depth the association between iron status and haptoglobin phenotypes in the context of malaria infection.