Meaning of Albumin
Albumin is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma and is produced by the liver. It fulfills two crucial roles in the body. Firstly, it maintains colloid osmotic pressure, which simply means it prevents fluid from leaking out of the blood vessels into surrounding tissues. Secondly, albumin acts as an essential transport vehicle for hormones, vitamins, medications, and minerals (such as calcium) throughout the body. Because albumin is produced exclusively in the liver, its concentration in the blood is a direct reflection of the liver’s synthetic capacity. Additionally, it is an important biomarker for kidney function and the body’s overall nutritional status.
Albumin values and interpretation
Albumin values for men
Here is an overview of albumin values for men between the ages of 18 and 100, so you can see if your level falls within healthy margins.
- Low: When the albumin level is below 35 g/L, it is considered abnormal and too low. A decreased value may indicate reduced production by the liver, increased loss through the kidneys or intestines, or a lack of building blocks in the diet. Albumin levels can also drop during inflammation in the body.
- Normal: An albumin level between 35 and 52 g/L is considered normal for men. This indicates a healthy protein balance, good liver function, and adequate nutritional status, allowing for optimal transport of substances in the blood.
- High: If the value exceeds 52 g/L (with a measuring range up to 100 g/L), it is considered too high. In most cases, an elevated albumin level is not a sign of organ disease, but an indication of dehydration. The blood is then thicker, causing the protein concentration to rise relatively.
Albumin values for women
Here is an overview of albumin values for women between the ages of 18 and 100 to help you interpret your results correctly.
- Low: For women, a value below 35 g/L is classified as too low and abnormal. This may indicate a disrupted protein balance. Causes can range from liver disease and kidney problems to chronic inflammatory reactions where the body produces less albumin.
- Normal: A value between 35 and 52 g/L is considered normal. This result indicates a good balance in the vascular system and a healthy production capacity of the liver, which is essential for retaining fluid in the vessels and transporting vital substances.
- High: An albumin level above 52 g/L is considered too high. As with men, an elevated value is often the result of a lack of fluid in the body. Once the body is sufficiently hydrated, this value usually normalizes on its own.
Albumin values and interpretation (in table)
You can also find the albumin values and their interpretation in table format below, so you can easily understand what the values say about your health.
| Result | Unit | Range min max | Age | Gender | Biomarker interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Too low | G/L | 0 - 35 | 18 - 100 | Male | The albumin level is too low |
| Normal | G/L | 35 - 52 | 18 - 100 | Male | The albumin level is normal. |
| Too High | G/L | 52 - 100 | 18 - 100 | Male | The albumin level is too high. |
| Too low | G/L | 0 - 35 | 18 - 100 | Female | The albumin level is too low |
| Normal | G/L | 35 - 52 | 18 - 100 | Female | The albumin level is normal. |
| Too High | G/L | 52 - 100 | 18 - 100 | Female | The albumin level is too high. |
