Albumin is the most abundant protein in your blood. It is manufactured entirely by the liver. Albumin acts like a sponge, holding fluid inside your blood vessels so it doesn't leak into surrounding tissues.
It also acts as a delivery truck, binding to hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions (like calcium) and transporting them throughout the body. Because it is made by the liver, albumin levels are a good indicator of overall liver function and nutritional status.
Typical Albumin reference ranges (g/dL)
| Adults | 3.4 – 5.4 | Ranges vary slightly by lab |
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Albumin levels can drop during acute illness or inflammation, even if the liver is fine.
What low albumin means
A low albumin level can indicate that the liver is damaged and can no longer produce enough protein. This is often seen in advanced liver diseases like cirrhosis.
However, low albumin can also occur if the kidneys are damaged and are leaking protein into the urine (nephrotic syndrome), or in cases of severe malnutrition or malabsorption (like Crohn's disease). Additionally, because albumin is a 'negative acute-phase reactant,' its levels naturally drop when the body is fighting a severe infection or dealing with significant inflammation.
What high albumin means
High albumin is almost never caused by the liver making too much protein. Instead, it is almost always a sign of dehydration. When you are dehydrated, your blood plasma volume decreases, making the proteins in the blood appear more concentrated.
When to actually worry — and when not to
- Consistently low albumin, especially if accompanied by swelling in the legs or abdomen (edema), jaundice, or unexplained weight loss, requires thorough medical investigation.
- A mildly high albumin result is usually resolved simply by drinking more water.
Common questions
Why do my ankles swell when my albumin is low?
Albumin provides the osmotic pressure that keeps fluid inside your blood vessels. When albumin drops too low, fluid leaks out of the vessels and pools in your tissues, causing swelling (edema), most noticeably in the lower legs and ankles.
Can I raise my albumin by eating more protein?
If your low albumin is caused by malnutrition, eating more protein will help. But if it's caused by liver disease or kidney disease, dietary protein won't fix the underlying problem.
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Upload your reportMedical disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — always compare your result to the range on your own report, and consult a qualified healthcare professional about your results and any symptoms.