Albumin: Test and Causes of High and Low Levels

Albumin, a protein synthesized by the liver, is a crucial component of our body. It is primarily found in plasma and interstitial fluids, making up a significant portion of the circulating proteins in our system. This protein plays a crucial role in our body's functioning, and understanding its importance can provide valuable insights into our overall health.

What Does Albumin Do in the Body?

Albumin helps keep the body working properly. It performs several key jobs:

1. ‍Helps transport substances in the blood
   Albumin acts like a carrier. It moves substances such as hormones, fatty acids, and bilirubin through the bloodstream so the body can use them or remove them as waste.
2. ‍Keeps fluid in the bloodstream
   Albumin helps maintain the right balance of fluid in the body. It keeps fluid inside the blood vessels instead of leaking into surrounding tissues. When albumin levels are too low, fluid can build up and cause swelling.
3. ‍Provides a backup source of protein
   Albumin can serve as a small reserve of amino acids, which the body may use when needed to support tissues and other important functions.

Interestingly, the term "albumin" traces its roots back to egg whites, from which the protein was first isolated.

Albumin Measurement and Why It Matters

Albumin levels can be measured with a blood test or a urine test. These tests help doctors understand how well certain organs in the body are working.

• Blood test
  Measures the amount of albumin circulating in the bloodstream.
• Urine test
  Checks whether albumin is leaking into the urine, which may signal a kidney problem.

Albumin levels can provide useful information about liver health, kidney function, and overall nutritional status.

Low albumin levels are more common and may occur for several reasons, including:

• Liver diseases such as cirrhosis, where the liver cannot produce enough albumin
• Poor nutrition or insufficient protein intake
• Kidney problems that cause albumin to leak into the urine

High albumin levels are uncommon and are usually linked to dehydration, which concentrates albumin in the blood.

Albumin as an Indicator of Health

The level of albumin in the blood can provide important clues about a person’s overall health.

Albumin testing is commonly included in routine blood panels. It may also be ordered when someone has symptoms such as:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Swelling or fluid buildup in the body (edema)

Doctors may use an albumin test to:

• Evaluate liver function
• Check for kidney problems
• Help determine the cause of swelling or fluid retention
• Monitor changes in health during treatment or disease progression
• Assess nutritional status, especially after significant weight loss

Because albumin is important in maintaining fluid balance and transporting substances in the blood, abnormal levels can signal underlying health problems that require further investigation.

Normal and Abnormal Albumin Levels

Plasma albumin levels are typically between 3.5 and 5.5 grams per 100 milliliters. An increase in protein at the plasma level, known as hyperalbuminemia, is common during disease states that cause dehydration. High levels of albumin in the blood can also depend on various conditions.

Conversely, a reduction in albumin in the blood, known as hypoalbuminemia, can be caused by conditions that result in protein deficits due to reduced dietary intake, malabsorption, or increased catabolism. Plasma albumin levels also decrease following pathologies that affect the liver and the kidney.