Albumin
Main protein made by the liver
21 of 22 providers
Liver Function
malnutrition
What is Albumin?
Albumin is the most abundant protein in your blood, accounting for about 55-60% of total plasma protein. It is exclusively synthesized by the liver at a rate of about 10-15 grams per day. Albumin has a half-life of approximately 20 days, so changes in albumin levels typically reflect chronic rather than acute conditions.
Albumin serves multiple critical functions:it maintains oncotic pressure (keeping fluid in blood vessels rather than leaking into tissues), transports hormones, fatty acids, vitamins, drugs, and other substances throughout the body, acts as a buffer for pH regulation, and possesses antioxidant properties. Because of these essential roles, albumin is a key marker of overall health status, nutritional state, and liver synthetic function.
Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) indicates serious underlying disease:chronic liver disease, kidney disease with protein loss, severe malnutrition, chronic inflammation, or critical illness. High-normal albumin is associated with better health outcomes and longevity. Unlike liver enzymes that detect damage, albumin measures the liver's ability to synthesize vital proteins—a fundamental metabolic function.
Why Albumin Is Your Master Health and Longevity Marker
- Liver synthetic function:Unlike ALT/AST which measure damage, albumin assesses liver's ability to produce essential proteins. Low albumin in liver disease indicates advanced dysfunction
- Nutritional status:Low albumin indicates protein-calorie malnutrition, malabsorption, or inability to utilize dietary protein
- Mortality predictor:Low albumin strongly predicts mortality in hospitalized patients, surgical outcomes, and chronic disease progression
- Fluid balance regulator:Maintains oncotic pressure;low albumin causes edema (leg swelling) and ascites (abdominal fluid)
- Inflammation marker:Albumin is a negative acute-phase reactant—drops during inflammation, chronic disease, and critical illness
- Longevity association:Higher albumin (within optimal range) correlates with increased lifespan and healthy aging
Optimal vs Standard Ranges
Optimal (Longevity)4.5-5.2 g/dL▼
- Associated with best health outcomes, lowest mortality risk, and optimal longevity
- Indicates excellent liver function, adequate protein nutrition, and low inflammation
- Maintain through adequate protein intake (0.8-1.2 g/kg body weight), resistance training, and management of chronic inflammation
Low-Normal4.0-4.5 g/dL▼
- Within standard reference range but associated with increased mortality and morbidity compared to optimal levels
- May indicate subclinical inflammation, marginal protein nutrition, or early liver/kidney dysfunction
- Investigate underlying causes, optimize protein intake, address inflammation
- Retest in 3-6 months
Hypoalbuminemia (Mild)3.5-4.0 g/dL▼
- Indicates significant underlying pathology
- Requires investigation for chronic liver disease (check ALT, AST, bilirubin, PT/INR), kidney disease with proteinuria (check urine protein, creatinine), malnutrition (assess dietary intake), or chronic inflammation (check CRP, ESR)
- May develop mild edema
- Increase protein intake to 1.2-1.5 g/kg body weight if possible
Hypoalbuminemia (Severe)<3.5 g/dL▼
- Indicates serious disease with high mortality risk
- Causes edema, ascites, and impaired drug metabolism
- Common causes:advanced cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, severe malnutrition, critical illness, protein-losing enteropathy
- Requires urgent medical evaluation and treatment of underlying cause
- Consider albumin infusion if symptomatic (edema, ascites) and <3.0 g/dL
- Levels <2.5 g/dL associated with very poor prognosis
Scientific Evidence
Albumin as Mortality Predictor
Low serum albumin is one of the strongest predictors of mortality across diverse populations. Meta-analyses show each 1 g/dL decrease in albumin increases mortality risk by 130-200%. Albumin <3.5 g/dL is associated with 2-3x higher mortality in hospitalized patients and predicts poor surgical outcomes, longer hospital stays, and increased complications.
Albumin in Cirrhosis Prognosis
In cirrhotic patients, albumin is a core component of prognostic scores (Child-Pugh, MELD-Na). Albumin <3.5 g/dL indicates decompensated cirrhosis. Each 1 g/dL decrease below 3.5 g/dL roughly doubles mortality risk. Albumin <2.5 g/dL carries very poor prognosis without transplant, with 1-year mortality exceeding 50%.
Albumin and Healthy Aging
Higher serum albumin within the normal range (>4.5 g/dL) is associated with successful aging, maintained cognitive function, and reduced frailty in elderly populations. Albumin reflects nutritional status, absence of chronic disease, and anabolic capacity—all essential for healthy longevity. Maintaining optimal albumin should be a longevity goal.
Protein Intake and Albumin in Elderly
Older adults often have inadequate protein intake contributing to low albumin and frailty. Increasing protein to 1.2-1.5 g/kg body weight improves albumin levels, muscle mass, and physical function in elderly. Combined with resistance training, higher protein intake prevents age-related decline in albumin and functional capacity.
Source:Bauer J, et al. Evidence-based recommendations for optimal dietary protein intake in older people. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2013;14(8):542-559.
Albumin Infusion in Cirrhosis
In cirrhotic patients with ascites, albumin infusion (after large-volume paracentesis) improves circulatory function and reduces complications. Long-term albumin infusion (40g twice weekly) in decompensated cirrhosis improves survival compared to standard care. However, albumin infusion treats symptoms, not the underlying disease—liver transplant evaluation is essential for very low albumin.
Source:Caraceni P, et al. Long-term albumin administration in decompensated cirrhosis (ANSWER):EASL-CLIF Consortium randomised trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10138):2417-2429.
Which Providers Test Albumin?
Full Provider Comparison
| Provider | Includes | Annual Cost | Biomarkers |
|---|---|---|---|
 Superpower | ✓ | $199 | 100+ (150 with ratios) |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | ✓ | $349 | 65 |
 Labcorp OnDemand | ✓ | $398 | 30+ |
| ✓ | $486 | 40+ | |
| ✓ | $444 | 288 | |
| ✓ | $349 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $761 | 54 | |
 Function Health | ✓ | $365 | 160+ |
| ✓ | $250 | 65 | |
| ✓ | $495 | 70+ | |
| ✓ | $895 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $1950 | 150+ | |
| ✓ | $375 | 80+ | |
| — | $Varies | 75+ | |
| ✓ | $190 | 100+ | |
| ✓ | $99 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $124 | 60 | |
| ✓ | $199 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $499 | 120+ | |
| ✓ | $4188 | 70-80+ | |
| ✓ | $375 | 85 | |
| ✓ | $700 | 128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Albumin?
Main protein made by the liver
What is the optimal range for Albumin?
The standard reference range for Albumin is malnutrition. Optimal ranges may differ based on individual health goals and expert recommendations.
Which blood test providers include Albumin?
21 out of 22 blood testing providers include Albumin in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
What category does Albumin fall under?
Albumin is categorized under Liver Function. This category includes biomarkers that help assess related aspects of health and wellness.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed:2026-02-20