What is Globulin?
Globulins are a family of blood proteins consisting of alpha, beta, and gamma globulins:
- Alpha and beta globulins are mainly produced by the liver and help transport substances through the blood while also responding to acute inflammation.
- Gamma globulins, also known as immunoglobulins (antibodies), are made by lymphocytes and plasma cells and play a central role in immune defense.
Globulins move fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), along with enzymes and hormones, through your bloodstream to the tissues that need them.
Why Does Globulin Matter?
- Supports the immune system, helping your body defend against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens
- Transports nutrients and hormones throughout the body
- Promote blood clotting and blood vessel integrity
- Helps regulate inflammation, allowing the body to respond to injury or infection
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How to Interpret Globulin
(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 Globulin
- Improved cardiovascular function and reduced risk of cardiovascular-related death1
- Better immune function
- Reduced inflammation2
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Low Globulin Levels (Hypoglobulinemia)
Low globulin levels can point to liver or kidney problems, as well as an immune deficiency.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Weight loss
- Swelling
Causes:
- Malnutrition
- Acute illness or infection
- Liver disease
- Kidney dysfunction
Healthspan Impacts:
High Globulin Levels (Hyperglobulinemia)
Higher globulin levels are more commonly linked to chronic infection, ongoing inflammation, or autoimmune disease, though temporary states like dehydration or pregnancy can also cause globulin levels to rise.
Symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained fever
- Unexpected weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Swelling in the limbs
- Joint pain
Causes:
- Dehydration
- Chronic bacterial or viral infections
- Pregnancy
- Infections or inflammation
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis; lupus)
- Cancer (rare)
Healthspan Impacts:
How Hone Treats Out of Range Globulin
Your Hone physician will evaluate globulin results from a blood test along with albumin, total protein, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers, and immune markers. They’ll also consider any symptoms you’re having and your hydration status.
- Corticosteroids* – to reduce inflammation
- Antibiotics/antivirals* — when chronic infection is contributing to abnormal globulin levels
- Immunosuppressants* — to treat autoimmune conditions
- 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.
- Consume a diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E (e.g., citrus, nuts, seeds, lean meats)
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night
- Manage stress
- Quit smoking
- Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
- Get regular aerobic and resistance training12
Hsieh, Y.P. et al. (2023). Serum globulin is a novel predictor of mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Scientific Reports.
↑She, X. et al (2025). Nonlinear Association Between Calculated Globulin Levels and 28-Day Mortality in Patients with Sepsis: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy.
↑Cui, J., & Tanvetyanon, T. (2024). Association between Infection and Calculated Globulin Level among Patients with Thymic Epithelial Tumor. Journal of Clinical Medicine.
↑Hsieh, Y.P., et al. (2023). Serum globulin is a novel predictor of mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Scientific Reports.
↑Zhang, J., et al. (2021). Clinical Significance of Serum Albumin/Globulin Ratio in Patients With Pyogenic Liver Abscess. Frontiers in Surgery.
↑Ramasamy I. (2023). A Single Center Study Investigating Clinical Outcomes of Testing for Multiple Myeloma and Immune Deficiency at Low Globulin Levels. J Blood Med.
↑Hsieh, Y.P., et al. (2023). Serum globulin is a novel predictor of mortality in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Scientific Reports.
↑Gao, Y., et al. (2024). Association between serum globulins and diabetes mellitus in American latent tuberculosis infection patients: A cross-sectional study. Medicine.
↑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.
↑Bodur, M., et al. (2025). Immunomodulatory Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Mechanistic Insights and Health Implications. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.
↑Kim HS, et al. (2006). Dietary supplementation of probiotic Bacillus polyfermenticus, Bispan strain, modulates natural killer cell and T cell subset populations and immunoglobulin G levels in human subjects. J Med Food.
↑Fragala, M.S., et al. (2017). Associations of aerobic and strength exercise with clinical laboratory test values. PLoS ONE.
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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.
