Is my Albumin normal?
Free blood test checker · Standard + longevity-optimal ranges
What is a normal Albumin level?
Albumin is the most abundant protein in your blood, made by the liver. It maintains fluid balance, transports hormones and drugs, and reflects both liver function and nutritional status. Low albumin is a strong predictor of poor health outcomes in hospitalized patients. Normal is 3.5-5.5 g/dL.
| Range | Values |
|---|---|
| Standard Reference | 3.5–5.5 g/dL |
| Low Risk | < 3 g/dL |
What causes abnormal Albumin levels?
Low albumin is caused by liver disease (the liver can't produce enough), kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome causes albumin loss in urine), malnutrition or malabsorption, chronic inflammatory conditions, burns, and major surgery. It's also an acute-phase reactant — albumin drops during any significant illness or inflammation. High albumin is rare and usually indicates dehydration.
When should you see a doctor?
See your doctor if albumin is below 3.5 g/dL, especially if combined with swelling (edema), fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. Low albumin in the context of liver disease, kidney disease, or during hospitalization is a serious prognostic marker. Your doctor may order a 24-hour urine protein to check for kidney-related albumin loss.
Albumin and longevity
Albumin is one of the strongest single predictors of all-cause mortality in population studies. Low albumin — even within the "normal" range (3.5-4.0 g/dL) — is associated with increased mortality, frailty, and poor surgical outcomes. Albumin above 4.5 g/dL is associated with the best longevity outcomes. As the most abundant blood protein, albumin reflects liver synthetic capacity, nutritional status, and systemic inflammation simultaneously. It also serves as the primary binding protein for calcium, certain hormones, and medications — meaning low albumin affects the interpretation of many other lab values. Maintaining albumin through adequate protein intake (1.2-1.6 g/kg/day for older adults), exercise, and managing inflammation is a fundamental longevity strategy.
Where to get a Albumin test
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Related biomarkers
These biomarkers are often tested alongside Albumin for a more complete picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal albumin level?
What causes low albumin?
Why is albumin important for other blood tests?
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Sources: Reference ranges based on AHA/ACC, ADA, and AACE clinical guidelines. Biological variation data from Ricos/Westgard database. Longevity-optimal ranges reflect targets used by preventive and functional medicine practitioners.
Last reviewed: April 2026. This tool provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific results.