What is the Albumin to Globulin Ratio?
The albumin to globulin ratio compares the amount of albumin in your blood to the amount of globulin.
- Albumin: A protein made by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance in the bloodstream and transports hormones, nutrients, and medications throughout the body.
- Globulins: A family of proteins that includes antibodies and other proteins involved in immune defense and inflammation
When the balance between albumin and globulin shifts, it can signal underlying health issues such as liver disease, kidney disease, chronic inflammation, immune disorders, or poor nutritional status.
A healthy A/G ratio is typically around 1.0-3.0 and reflects a liver that’s producing enough albumin and an immune system that isn’t chronically activated.
The A/G ratio should always be interpreted alongside albumin, globulin, liver markers, kidney function, and inflammatory markers.
Why Does the Albumin to Globulin Ratio Matter?
- Reflects liver protein production and overall liver health
- Helps assess immune system activity and inflammation
- May help identify kidney dysfunction or protein loss
- Provides insight into overall nutritional and metabolic health
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How to Interpret Albumin to Globulin Ratio
(Ranges may vary slightly by lab)
Standard reference ranges represent the middle 95% of healthy individuals but don’t necessarily reflect levels associated with longevity. Optimal ranges are derived from clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and real-world outcomes data, with an emphasis on levels associated with peak functioning and reduced disease risk.
What a Healthy Albumin to Globulin Ratio Suggests
- Healthy liver protein production
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Low Albumin to Globulin Ratio Levels
A low A/G ratio may suggest liver disease, kidney dysfunction, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune activity. Symptoms usually relate to the underlying condition.
Symptoms:
- No direct symptoms
- Persistent infections or fever
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Causes:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Chronic inflammation
- Blood disorders
- Malnutrition
- Heart failure
Healthspan Impacts:
High Albumin/Globulin Ratio Levels
A high A/G ratio is less common and may often be the result of dehydration.; However, a very elevated ratio could also point to an immune deficiency.
How Hone Treats Out-of-Range Albumin/Globulin Ratio
Your Hone physician will evaluate the albumin/globulin ratio alongside your liver panel, kidney function markers, total protein, inflammatory markers, and metabolic markers to determine what may be driving the imbalance. Because the A/G ratio reflects underlying liver, kidney, immune, or inflammatory conditions, treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause.
- Antiviral therapy* – to treat viral hepatitis
- Immunosuppressants* – to treat elevated globulins due to autoimmune conditions
- Corticosteroids* – to reduce inflammation
*Your Hone Physician does not prescribe these treatments but will recommend further evaluation and help coordinate care with your primary care provider when medical treatment is indicated.
- Eat a high-quality protein-rich diet (lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes)
- Stay well hydrated
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Treat and manage chronic infections promptly
- Participate in regular moderate-intensity exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight
Chi, J., et al. (2018). Prognostic Value of Albumin/Globulin Ratio in Survival and Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Cancer.
↑Park, J., et al. (2020). Predictive value of serum albumin-to-globulin ratio for incident chronic kidney disease: A 12-year community-based prospective study. PLoS ONE.
↑Wang, Y., et al. (2022). Serum Albumin to Globulin Ratio is Associated with the Presence and Severity of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Journal of Inflammation Research.
↑Chen, S., et al. (2025). L-shaped association between the ratio of serum albumin to globulin and the risk of all-cause mortality among adults with kidney stones: A national cohort study. Translational Andrology and Urology.
↑Abdel Maksoud, H., et al. (2019). Ameliorative effect of liquorice extract versus silymarin in experimentally induced chronic hepatitis: A biochemical and genetical study. Clinical Nutrition Experimental.
↑Huo, H. Z., et al. (2011). Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Licorice Extract against CCl4-Induced Oxidative Damage in Rats. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
↑Levin, A., et al. (2007). N-acetylcysteine reduces urinary albumin excretion following contrast administration: evidence of biological effect. Nephro Dial Transplant.
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Reviewed for Accuracy by Our Medical Review Board
This biomarker information has been reviewed by a member of Hone’s medical review board. As part of the medical review team, physicians fact-check this content against the latest research and their own experience treating their patients.
Ashley Winter, M.D., is a board-certified urogynecologist trained at Weill Cornell and Cleveland Clinic. She specializes in female and male sexual dysfunction, urinary issues, genital pain, and hormone therapy.
James Staheli, D.O., is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia.
