What is Albumin?
Albumin is the most abundant protein in your blood, produced by the liver to help maintain fluid balance and transport hormones, nutrients, and medications throughout the body. It keeps fluid inside your blood vessels and acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals.
Why Does Albumin Matter?
- Carries hormones, drugs, and nutrients throughout the bloodstream
- Keeps fluid inside blood vessels, which helps maintain stable blood pressure and circulation
- Removes toxic substances like free radicals from the body, lowering oxidative stress
- Supports repair and recovery by providing amino acids for tissue maintenance and metabolic processes
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How to Interpret Albumin
(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.
Benefits of Optimizing Albumin
- A stronger immune system
- Reduced hospitalizations and mortality1
- Improved surgical outcomes
- Improved fluid balance and reduced swelling
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Low Albumin Levels (Hypoalbuminemia)
Low albumin levels may indicate malnutrition, inflammation, kidney dysfunction, or liver disease.
Symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the limbs or abdomen
- Muscle weakness
Causes:
- Malnutrition
- Systemic inflammation
- Chronic liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Severe burns
Healthspan Impacts:
High Albumin Levels (Hyperalbuminemia)
High albumin levels most often suggest dehydration, when reduced blood fluid concentrates proteins in circulation.
Symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
Causes:
- Dehydration
- High-protein diet
- Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
- Insulin resistance
- Chronic inflammation
- Liver or kidney issues
Healthspan Impacts:
- Increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome4
- Risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol
How Hone Treats Out of Range Albumin
Your Hone physician will evaluate albumin levels in a blood test along with total protein, liver enzymes, complete blood count, electrolytes and kidney and inflammatory markers.
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs* – to protect kidney function
- Diuretics (water pills)* – to manage swelling associated with low albumin levels
- IV albumin infusion* – to treat acute low albumin levels in those with severe burns
- Treatment for underlying causes* – interventions for kidney or liver disease, or corticosteroids for 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.
- Avoid or quit smoking
- Support liver health by limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight
- Consume high-quality protein (e.g., lean meats, eggs, and fish)
- Reducing sodium and managing protein intake
- Eat a high-protein diet to improve albumin levels before surgery11
Mukherjee, S., and Shetty, M. (2025). The Role of Serum Albumin in Critical Care: Clinical Outcomes and Implications for Therapy. Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice.
↑Yoshioka, G. et al. (2023). The role of albumin level in cardiovascular disease: a review of recent research advances. JLPM.
↑Cho, H. M., et al. (2012). The Association Between Serum Albumin Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in a Rural Population of Korea. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.
↑Kobayashi, K., Nishida, T., & Sakakibara, H. (2023). Factors Associated with Low Albumin in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Aged 75 Years and Above. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
↑Gotsman, I., et al. (2019). Low serum albumin: A significant predictor of reduced survival in patients with chronic heart failure. Clinical Cardiology.
↑Yamamoto, M., et al. (2021). Lower albumin levels are associated with frailty measures, trace elements, and an inflammation marker in a cross-sectional study in Tanushimaru. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.
↑Bagheri A, et al (2023). Effects of omega-3 supplementation on serum albumin, pre-albumin and the CRP/albumin ratio in hospitalized patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev.
↑Chang TY, et al. (2007). Effects of folic acid and vitamin B complex on serum C-reactive protein and albumin levels in stable hemodialysis patients. Curr Med Res Opin.
↑Ngestiningsih, D. (2017). EFFECT OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION ON SERUM ALBUMIN LEVEL IN ELDERLY. Innovation in Aging.
↑Moscardini, I.S., et al. (2017). Effects of different types of protein supplementation on serum albumin levels in hemodialysis patients. Nephrol Renal Dis.
↑Xu, H., et al. (2023). A pre-operative high-protein diet can improve the serum albumin levels of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Chinese Medical Journal.
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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.
