Albumin is a protein manufactured in the liver and stored as a particle in the blood. Serum albumin serves the basic function of holding fluid in your blood through the process of osmosis. Low levels of albumin cause fluid to seep into the "third space," the area between cells. This causes complications called edema or ascites, inappropriate fluid retention and bloating. Inadequate dietary protein can affect the amount of albumin in your body, resulting in major health implications.
The Protein Albumin
Albumin is a body protein. It is necessary to consume the eight essential amino acids in order for your body to have all the building blocks it needs to synthesize albumin. Without enough protein, your muscles will start breaking down, your hair will start falling out and your albumin levels will drop. The association between dietary protein intake and albumin synthesis has been studied for decades. In 1989, the "Journal of Clinical Nutrition" published a study on albumin in rats. The study found that higher protein diets promoted albumin synthesis and increased albumin levels, even in rats with kidney disease who were losing albumin in urine. Rats with protein-restricted diets underproduced albumin and had low body stores.
Dietary Protein
Protein from the diet comes from animal products such as meat, fish, dairy and eggs. These are considered complete or "high quality" proteins because they contain all eight essential amino acids in one source. Plant sources of protein include beans, soy, lentils and nuts. Vegans and vegetarians need to get protein from a variety of sources to ensure sufficient intake of the essential amino acids. The usual recommendation for healthy individuals is to consume 15 to 20 percent of your calories from protein. In the protein-restricted rats studied, 8.5 percent of their calories were from protein. This level was too low and had a negative impact on albumin synthesis.
Protein Malnutrition
The consequences of protein malnutrition are not to be taken lightly. The image of malnourished children with distended, bloated bellies is commonly associated with underdeveloped, impoverished nations. This condition, called kwashiorkor, is the result of low-protein diets. When there is not enough dietary protein, albumin levels are reduced and fluid is not held sufficiently in the blood. Instead, fluid pools in the interstitial space and creates this distended appearance. Increasing the amount of high-quality protein in the diet provides the albumin necessary to restore fluid balance in the body.
Validity of Serum Albumin
Low serum albumin is nonspecific and can be the result of a multitude of medical conditions. If you are experiencing unusual fluid retention, resulting in significant weight gain, talk to your doctor to pinpoint the cause. Albumin levels may appear normal in malnourished patients who are also dehydrated. It is important to look at this lab value in the context of your diet, medications and overall health. Increasing dietary protein to raise this albumin is not always recommended, especially if you have impaired kidney function. Seek the advice of a knowledgeable health-care provider to determine appropriate treatment options.
Member Comments