The main liver-synthesized serum protein — low levels signal liver dysfunction, malnutrition, or chronic disease.
Albumin is the most abundant serum protein, synthesized exclusively by the liver. It is a cleaner long-term marker of liver synthetic function than ALT (half-life ~20 days vs minutes). Low values (<3.5) suggest chronic liver disease, malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome, or sustained inflammation.
Albumin is the primary carrier for hydrophobic molecules including calcium and many drugs — corrected calcium uses albumin.
Albumin is influenced by: liver synthetic capacity (chronic disease lowers), protein intake, inflammation (negative acute phase reactant — falls during illness), nephrotic syndrome (urinary loss), and volume status (hemodilution in overload).
Reviewed as part of standard CMP. Persistent values below 4.0 warrant follow-up — could be diet, inflammation, or early liver synthetic dysfunction. Longevity cohorts show higher albumin associated with lower all-cause mortality.
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Start tracking →Informational only — not medical advice. Reference ranges vary by lab and individual context. Work with a licensed provider to interpret your specific results.