Total serum protein levels may help your doctor determine if you have certain health conditions. Hypoproteinemia mean you have low serum protein levels. Albumin and globulin are the two components of serum protein. Usually, the albumin is decreased when you have hypoproteinemia. Common causes include liver disorders, kidney disorders, malnutrition and malabsorption syndromes.
Liver Disorders
Any condition that causes the liver to become inflamed or damaged may cause hypoproteinemia. Your liver produces proteins and enzymes, but when it's damaged, that production decreases. Some common liver disorders include liver failure, cirrhosis, hepatitis, infections, bile duct obstruction and liver cancer. They can be caused by drugs, chronic alcohol use, autoimmune problems, viruses or other toxic exposures.
Kidney Disorders
Your kidneys filter your blood and remove excess water and wastes by making urine, which is stored in the bladder and eventually eliminated. They also make hormones and vitamin D, and they control the quality of your body fluids and blood pressure. When your kidneys are damaged, they may leak albumin into the urine, causing decreased amounts of protein in the blood.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition occurs when your body does not get enough of the nutrients you need to function. It's usually due to under-nutrition, which is when one or more essential nutrients are missing from your diet. When you don't consume enough protein or have certain chronic diseases that lead to protein loss or increase protein demand, you may have reduced levels of protein in your blood.
Malabsorption
Disorders of the intestinal tract such as Celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, or some medications can make it difficult for your body to absorb some of the nutrients you need. Malabsorption syndromes can affect growth and development and can result in reduced serum protein levels if they reduce your ability to absorb proteins. If you suspect you have any of these disorders, see your doctor for an examination.
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