← All Biomarkers

Albumin

Liver Unit: g/dL

Liver-produced protein; nutritional and liver function marker

Also known as: Alb,Serum Albumin

Reference Ranges

Clinical Reference 3.5 – 5.5 g/dL

Optimal Range 4.0 – 5.0 g/dL

Critical Range < 1.5 g/dL

Reflects liver synthetic function and nutrition

Related Conditions

Liver Disease Low

Food & Lifestyle Recommendations

🍎 Food Ensure adequate protein intake (0.8-1.2g/kg/day) from eggs, fish, lean meat, legumes Protein malnutrition is a common cause of low albumin

🍎 Food Increase protein intake: eggs, fish, lean meat, legumes, dairy Adequate protein intake (1.0-1.2g/kg/day) supports albumin synthesis

🍎 Food Eat anti-inflammatory foods to reduce chronic inflammation that lowers albumin Chronic inflammation shifts liver protein synthesis from albumin to acute-phase proteins

Evidence-Backed Supplements

When High

Vitamin C Tier A May Decrease

Limited evidence; high albumin usually indicates dehydration rather than a supplement-responsive condition.

Ascorbic acid 250–500 mg/day Divided doses

PMID 26415762 PMID 28301692 PMID 23440782

When Low

Vitamin B6 Tier A May Increase

Limited evidence; B6 is involved in amino acid metabolism. Deficiency may impair albumin synthesis.

Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P) 25–50 mg/day Morning

PMID 23335472 PMID 19821378 PMID 30431328
Zinc Tier A May Increase

Limited evidence; zinc deficiency may impair protein synthesis including albumin. Supplementation may help in deficient states.

Zinc picolinate or bisglycinate 15–30 mg/day Evening, away from iron/calcium

PMID 33724446 PMID 36994923 PMID 27996088
Protein Tier B May Increase

Well-established; low albumin often reflects protein malnutrition or liver disease. Adequate protein intake is first-line intervention.

Protein powder (whey, pea, or rice) 1–2 servings/day (20–30g each) Between meals or post-workout

PMID 32483625
Whey Protein Tier B Provides Amino Acids For Synthesis

Whey protein provides branched-chain amino acids that support hepatic protein synthesis

Whey protein isolate 25–30 g/day Post-workout or between meals

PMID 36771225

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Does my low albumin indicate liver disease, kidney loss, or malnutrition? Low albumin has many causes; check urine protein
Could my low albumin indicate liver disease or malnutrition, and what tests should I have? Low albumin may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, inflammation, or malnutrition. Further workup is needed.

Upload your blood test to see how your Albumin compares to reference and optimal ranges.

Upload Blood Test