What is Total Protein?
Total protein measures two types of proteins in your blood: albumin and globulin.
- Albumin prevents fluids from leaking out of blood vessels while also transporting important elements throughout the body, such as hormones, medications, vitamins, and enzymes.
- Globulin is necessary for blood clotting, nutrient transport, and immune and fighting infections.
Why Does Total Protein Matter?
- Helps keep fluid where it belongs, supporting healthy circulation
- Delivers hormones, enzymes, and nutrients to tissues, so systems can function efficiently
- Strengthens immune defense, providing the raw materials for antibodies and tissue repair
- Supports resilience, helping your body respond to injury, illness, and recovery
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How to Interpret Total Protein 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.
Benefits of Optimizing Total Protein
- Supports healthy protein production by the liver, helping maintain fluid balance, circulation, and recovery during physical or metabolic stress1,2
- Associated with lower inflammation3
- Linked to improved mood, including reduced risk of depression4
- Lower mortality risk5
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Low Total Protein Levels (Hypoproteinemia)
Low total protein can signal poor protein absorption or problems with the liver or kidneys, even when you’re getting adequate dietary protein.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs or stomach
- Brittle hair, hair loss, dry skin, rashes
- Frequent infections
Causes:
- Malnutrition/malabsorption
- Inflammation
- Severe infections
- Severe burns
- Certain medications (e.g., oral contraceptives)
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
Healthspan Impacts:
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Higher in-hospital mortality rates6
High Total Protein Levels (Hyperproteinemia)
High total protein levels may reflect dehydration or ongoing inflammation and infection, such as hepatitis B. In rare cases, it can be associated with certain cancers.
Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling
- Frequent infections
Causes:
- Dehydration
- Chronic inflammation or infection
- Blood disorders
- Liver or kidney disease
Healthspan Impacts:
- Accelerates the decline of kidney function
- Higher all-cause mortality7
How Hone Treats Out of Range Total Protein
Your Hone physician will evaluate Total Protein levels alongside individual biomarkers like albumin, globulin, liver enzymes, and kidney markers. These lab results are interpreted alongside hydration status, your symptoms, and overall health to create a personalized treatment protocol.
- IV fluids* — to correct dehydration
- Medications for underlying causes* – to treat blood pressure, kidney disease, autoimmune conditions, or liver disease
*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.
- Increase protein intake (if total protein levels are low)
- Reduce alcohol intake
- Maintain proper hydration
- Quit or avoid smoking
- Prioritize 7-8 hours of sleep, as sleep helps the body better synthesize protein10
Busher JT. (1990). Serum Albumin and Globulin. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations.
↑Mangialardi RJ, et al (2000). Hypoproteinemia predicts acute respiratory distress syndrome development, weight gain, and death in patients with sepsis. Ibuprofen in Sepsis Study Group. Crit Care Med.
↑Eckart, A., et al. (2020). Relationship of Nutritional Status, Inflammation, and Serum Albumin Levels During Acute Illness: A Prospective Study. The American Journal of Medicine.
↑Xu, Q., et al. (2024). A study investigating how the albumin-globulin ratio relates to depression risk within U.S. Adults: A cross-sectional analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition.
↑Pai, A. et al. (2021). Association of serum globulin with all-cause mortality in incident hemodialysis patients. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation.
↑Inoue, M. et al. (2022). Low Serum Total Protein at Admission Predicts in-Hospital Mortality Among General Inpatients: Historical Cohort Study. International Journal of General Medicine.
↑Juraschek, S.P., Moliterno, A. R., & Checkley, W. (2015). The Gamma Gap and All-Cause Mortality. PLoS ONE.
↑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.
↑Bumrungpert A., et al. (2018). Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Nutritional Status, Glutathione Levels, and Immune Function in Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial. J Med Food.
↑Lamon, S., et al. (2021). The effect of acute sleep deprivation on skeletal muscle protein synthesis and the hormonal environment. Physiological Reports.
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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.
