Albumin

Albumin is the main protein your liver makes, and a serum albumin blood test measures how much of it is circulating in your bloodstream. In most healthy adults, a normal level falls between 3.5 and 5.0 g/dL.

Ranges vary between labs, so compare to the range on your own lab report.

What albumin measures

Albumin is the most abundant protein in your blood, produced almost entirely by your liver. It keeps fluid inside your blood vessels through oncotic pressure and ferries hormones, calcium, fatty acids, and many medications around your body. Because it depends on both liver output and your protein intake, it doubles as a rough gauge of your liver function and nutritional status.

What high or low levels mean

Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) is the more common concern and can point to several things. Your liver may not be making enough because of chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, your kidneys may be leaking protein into your urine as in nephrotic syndrome, or your gut may be losing or failing to absorb it. Inflammation, acute illness, and malnutrition also drive levels down, since your body diverts protein production during stress. High albumin is far less telling and usually reflects dehydration, which concentrates your blood rather than signaling excess protein. Because albumin shifts with hydration and short-term illness, one abnormal result is often rechecked. If yours stays low or comes with swelling, unexpected weight change, or ongoing fatigue, follow up with a clinician.

Albumin FAQ

Is low albumin serious?

It depends on the cause and how low it is. Mild dips from a short illness often recover on their own, but a persistently low level can signal liver, kidney, or nutritional problems that your clinician should evaluate alongside other tests.

Can I raise my albumin naturally?

If low albumin stems from inadequate protein, eating enough quality protein and treating any underlying inflammation or illness can help. When the cause is liver or kidney disease, addressing that condition matters more than diet alone.

Does dehydration affect albumin?

Yes. Dehydration concentrates your blood and can push albumin artificially high, which is why labs may recheck a value once your hydration is normal.

Read alongside your globulin, total protein, and albumin/globulin ratio results for a fuller picture of your protein status.

Sources

• Cleveland Clinic. Albumin Blood Test.

• Medscape. Albumin: Reference Range, Interpretation.