Albumin
Albumin
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Description
Albumin is one of the most important proteins in the body, produced by the liver. It serves two primary functions:
1. Transporting various substances throughout the body, including hormones, vitamins, and enzymes.
2. Maintaining fluid balance by ensuring that water remains in the blood vessels, preventing it from leaking into tissues and causing swelling (edema).
Given albumin’s vital role in various bodily functions, there are numerous reasons to analyze its levels. An albumin test can provide insight into your body’s fluid balance and nutritional status.
Low albumin levels may indicate liver damage or disease, as the liver’s ability to produce albumin may be impaired. In the case of kidney disease, higher-than-normal amounts of albumin can be lost in the urine. Reduced levels can also occur in certain intestinal conditions.
Symptoms of Liver Disease:
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Dark-colored urine
Symptoms of Kidney Disease:
• Swelling around the abdomen, thighs, or face
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Foamy, bloody, or coffee-colored urine
• Nausea
• Itchy skin
High Albumin Levels
Elevated albumin levels are primarily seen in cases of dehydration, where water loss from the bloodstream leads to a concentration of albumin. When hydration is restored, albumin levels typically normalize.
Low Albumin Levels
Low albumin levels can result from a variety of causes, ranging from temporary conditions that resolve on their own to more serious issues requiring treatment. Causes of low albumin include:
• Reduced production due to liver disease or damage
• Increased breakdown of proteins
• Increased loss of albumin, particularly in kidney disease where albumin leaks into the urine
• Dilution of blood due to fluid overload
Low albumin can also be a sign of:
• Liver disease (may require additional liver enzyme tests for further diagnosis)
• Kidney disease (where albumin leaks from the blood into the urine)
• Inflammation, shock, or malnutrition
• Conditions affecting protein absorption, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
• Chronic conditions, infections, surgeries, diabetes, or hypothyroidism
• Increased blood volume due to heart failure
• Pregnancy, which can temporarily lower albumin levels
Factors Affecting Albumin Levels
Before testing, it’s advisable to avoid alcohol and fatty foods, as these can influence the results. Mildly abnormal albumin levels can sometimes occur as a normal variant. The reference range covers 95% of a healthy population, meaning that 5% of healthy individuals may fall outside the range without indicating a disease—this is known as a normal variant.
