Low Albumin

In this video, Dr. Kevin Lowe explains what albumin does, why a low albumin level may appear on your lab report, and what that result could be telling you about your health.
Albumin is an important protein made by the liver. It helps keep fluid inside the blood vessels, carries certain medicines and hormones, and supports many normal body functions. A low albumin result is not always an emergency, but it can sometimes point to an underlying problem.
You will learn about the main causes of low albumin, including:
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease and protein loss in the urine
• Inflammation or infection
• Heart failure and fluid overload
• Poor nutrition
• Protein loss from the intestines, burns, or wounds
The video also explains why low albumin does not always mean malnutrition, why doctors usually treat the cause rather than the number itself, and which questions you should ask when albumin is below the normal range.
A low albumin level is not a diagnosis by itself. It is a clue that must be understood together with your symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory results.
This video is for education only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with your healthcare professional about your own blood test results.