Albumin is an important protein in your blood that assists in carrying nutrients, hormones, and drugs around your body. Albumin prevents fluids from spilling out of your blood vessels. When your albumin gets too low, it can indicate there is a problem with your health. Let’s discuss the typical reasons for low albumin and what it could indicate about your health. What Causes Low Albumin Levels?
What Causes Low Albumin Levels?
Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) can occur due to a number of causes, such as:
- Liver Disease – Albumin is made in the liver, so if the liver is diseased (for example, cirrhosis or hepatitis), it may stop making albumin.
- Kidney Problems – Certain kidney diseases (for example, nephrotic syndrome) make albumin appear in urine.
- Malnutrition – Inadequate intake of protein-containing foods (meat, eggs, beans) may result in low albumin.
- Chronic Inflammation – Long-standing illness (such as infection or autoimmune disease) can decrease albumin.
- Digestive Diseases – Diseases such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease may impair protein absorption.
Low Albumin Symptoms and Signs:
If your albumin is abnormally low, you may experience:
- Swelling (particularly in feet, legs, or hands due to increased fluid in the body)
- Weakness and fatigue
- Wound healing difficulties
- Loss of muscle
- More frequent infections
What Should You Do?
If your blood test indicates low albumin, your physician will most probably investigate to determine the cause. Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause but can include:
- Increasing protein foods in your diet
- Managing liver or kidney disease
- Treating infection or inflammation
- IV albumin in extreme cases
Conclusion: Low albumin is something that can impact your overall health, but it’s usually treatable with proper care. If you find swelling or severe fatigue symptoms, check with your physician. A healthy diet and proper medical care can restore healthy albumin levels.
NOTE: – IT IS ALWAYS RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL. ALL DATA SHARED HERE ARE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
