Numerous conditions can cause low blood-protein levels. Albumin is the main protein in your blood. Albumin, which is produced by your liver, plays an important role in water distribution and is a transport protein for hormones and certain drugs. Certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors can cause decreased albumin, or blood protein, levels.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a common cause of low serum albumin, or blood protein levels. According to MayoClinic.com, alcoholism is a chronic disease in which your body becomes dependent on alcohol. If you have alcoholism, you may lose control over your drinking, be unable to control when and how much you drink and may experience problems with your relationships, health, work or finances. Possible complications associated with alcohol abuse include decreased blood-protein levels, liver disorders, digestive problems, heart problems, diabetes complications, sexual dysfunction, eye problems, birth defects, bone loss, neurological complications and certain cancers. Certain risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing alcoholism, including drinking too much on a regular basis for a prolonged period, being male, a family history of alcoholism, mental health problems and certain social and cultural factors.
Liver Cirrhosis
Liver cirrhosis, or liver scarring, can cause decreased blood protein levels. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, explains that cirrhosis is a condition in which your liver tissue gradually deteriorates and malfunctions due to chronic injury. If you have liver cirrhosis, healthy liver tissue may be replaced by scar tissue, which can impede blood flow through your liver and impair your liver's ability to control infections, remove toxins and bacteria from your blood, process nutrients and hormones and produce proteins that regulate blood clotting. Common signs and symptoms associated with liver cirrhosis include decreased albumin, fatigue, bleeding and bruising, fluid build-up in your abdomen, decreased appetite, nausea, swelling in your lower extremities and weight loss.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can cause decreased blood protein levels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia causes a decreased red blood cell count due to a lack of vitamin B12. Anemia is a condition in which your body doesn't produce enough healthy red blood cells. The UMMC states that a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet may be caused by eating a strict vegetarian diet, having a poor diet during infancy or consuming an unhealthy diet during pregnancy. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia may be caused by chronic alcoholism, pernicious anemia and certain bowel disorders. Common signs and symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia include decreased blood protein levels, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, decreased appetite, pale skin, concentration problems, shortness of breath and bleeding gums.
Member Comments