Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular exercise
- Adequate hydration
- Stress management
Blutwerte · Marker
Albumin
Serum Albumin · ALB
Leberwerte
- Einheit:
- g/dL
- Abbreviation
- ALB
Albumin measures the concentration of serum albumin, a protein produced by the liver.
Reference Ranges
Reference
3.5–5g/dL
3.5
5
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · g/dLLevels can vary slightly based on age and sex.
Overview
Übersicht
Albumin, abbreviated as ALB, is a major protein found in blood plasma, synthesized primarily by the liver. It plays a crucial role in maintaining oncotic pressure, which is essential for proper distribution of body fluids between body compartments. Albumin also acts as a carrier protein for hormones, vitamins, and drugs, and has antioxidative properties. Clinically, serum albumin levels are indicative of various health conditions. Low levels, or hypoalbuminemia, are associated with inflammation, liver and kidney diseases, malnutrition, and can predict cardiovascular events and cognitive impairments. It is also linked to poor outcomes in critically ill patients and can reflect the severity of illness. In the context of athletic performance, biohacking, and longevity, maintaining optimal albumin levels is important for muscle mass preservation and overall health. Albumin levels can decrease with age, particularly after 30, and are influenced by comorbidities. Caveats include factors such as inflammation and acute illness affecting albumin levels, making it an acute phase reactant. Fasting is not required for testing, but levels can fluctuate with illness severity, requiring careful interpretation.
Klinische Bedeutung
Reduced albumin levels indicate potential liver or kidney disease, malnutrition, or systemic inflammation. Elevated levels are less common but can occur with dehydration.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Rising albumin levels may indicate dehydration or excessive protein intake. Re-test in 4 weeks if outside the optimal range.
Falling Values
Falling albumin levels suggest worsening liver or kidney function, or increased inflammation.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Dehydration
- High protein diet
- Anabolic steroid use
- Prolonged tourniquet use
Cause
Low Levels
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Malnutrition
- Chronic inflammation
- Heart failure
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Balanced diet with adequate protein
- Avoid excessive alcohol
- Consume anti-inflammatory foods
Lever
Supplementation
- Whey protein
- Branched-chain amino acids
- Omega-3 supplements
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if underlying conditions are present.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Testing Frequency
Annually for general health monitoring, more frequently if managing chronic conditions.
Interfering Factors
- Acute illness
- Inflammation
- Severe dehydration
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the pathogenesis and clinical significance of hypoalbuminemia remain debated, particularly regarding reference ranges and optimal targets in various populations. Researchers have not yet established the mechanistic role of serum albumin in cognitive impairment and white matter hyperintensities, nor the predictive value of albumin in treatment responses for cirrhosis. Unanswered clinical questions include the impact of serum albumin fluctuations on patient outcomes in critically ill settings and the effectiveness of albumin as a therapeutic agent.
24 Research Publications
1,786
Total Citations
16
Human/RCT
7.4
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Hypoalbuminemia: Pathogenesis and Clinical Significance.
ReviewInfluence32.0
1129
Researchers found that low serum albumin levels, known as hypoalbuminemia, are linked to inflammation and can indicate poor health outcomes, especially in response to surgeries or chemotherapy. They emphasized that addressing the underlying causes of inflammation is crucial for managing hypoalbuminemia, rather than simply infusing albumin. Additionally, they noted that aging and comorbidities can accelerate the decline in muscle mass and serum albumin levels.
02Top
#02
Review: Glycation of human serum albumin.
ReviewInfluence12.0
361
This review discussed the process of glycation of human serum albumin and its implications in diabetes. Researchers highlighted the potential of glycated albumin as a marker for glycemic control and examined its effects on drug binding and clinical significance.
03Top
#03
Serum Albumin Redox States: More Than Oxidative Stress Biomarker.
ReviewInfluence6.0
107
This study explored the redox states of serum albumin, revealing its potential as a biomarker for oxidative stress and protein nutrition. Researchers found that oxidized albumin could worsen pathological conditions, indicating a shift in understanding its role in health. The study provides insights into analytical techniques for assessing serum albumin's redox state.
04
#04
Serum albumin, inflammation, and nutrition in end-stage renal disease: C-reactive protein is needed for optimal assessment.
HumanInfluence1.0
53
This study found that low serum albumin levels in end-stage renal disease patients are linked to increased mortality risk, particularly in the presence of systemic inflammation. Researchers concluded that serum albumin should not be used alone to assess nutritional status in these patients.
05
#05
Glycated albumin: from biochemistry and laboratory medicine to clinical practice.
ReviewInfluence3.0
52
Researchers summarized the implications of glycated albumin as a biomarker for diabetes management. They discussed how glycation alters albumin properties and its potential use in diagnosing diabetes and monitoring complications. The review highlights the advantages and limitations of glycated albumin in various clinical contexts.
06
#06
Serum Albumin Levels: Who Needs Them?
Review
33
Researchers reviewed the common indications for ordering serum albumin levels in critically ill patients, highlighting its role as a marker of illness severity. They found that while hypoalbuminemia is prevalent in intensive care settings, routine ordering of serum albumin levels may not be justified due to fluctuating levels during illness. The review emphasizes the need for careful consideration before testing.
07
#07
Association between red cell distribution width/serum albumin ratio and Parkinson's disease.
HumanInfluence2.0
13
Researchers observed that the ratio of red cell distribution width to serum albumin (RAR) is significantly elevated in individuals with Parkinson's disease compared to controls. The study identified RAR as an independent predictor of Parkinson's disease, suggesting its potential as a screening tool for increased risk. Additionally, RAR demonstrated superior discriminative ability over other inflammatory biomarkers in detecting Parkinson's disease.
08
#08
Gestational Age-Dependent Reference Ranges for Albumin Levels in Cord Serum.
Ikuta Toshihiko, et al. · Neonatology · 2022
HumanInfluence2.0
8
Researchers established gestational age-dependent reference ranges for serum albumin levels in newborns. They found a significant positive correlation between gestational age and albumin levels, which can aid in diagnosing hypoalbuminemia in newborns.
Key findings
- 01Researchers found a significant positive correlation between gestational age and albumin levels in newborns.
- 02The study established specific reference ranges for albumin levels in newborns based on their gestational age.
- 03The findings may improve the diagnosis of hypoalbuminemia in newborns, particularly those with certain health conditions.
09
#09
Personalised human albumin in patients with cirrhosis and ascites: design and rationale for the ALB-TRIAL - a randomised clinical biomarker validation trial.
Human
8
This study outlines the design of the ALB-TRIAL, which aims to validate a predictive biomarker for treatment response to human albumin in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. The trial will assess the effectiveness of human albumin therapy based on a biomarker panel, potentially optimizing treatment strategies for these patients. Key outcomes include liver-related events and healthcare burden analysis.
10
#10
Serum albumin, genetic susceptibility, and risk of venous thromboembolism.
HumanInfluence1.0
7
This study investigated the association between serum albumin levels and the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), finding that lower albumin levels correlate with higher VTE risk. Researchers noted a significant additive effect of low albumin and genetic susceptibility on VTE incidence, suggesting that serum albumin could be a predictive biomarker for VTE.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Albumin over time
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