From the Guidelines
Elevated albumin levels in the blood are primarily caused by dehydration, as stated in the most recent guidelines 1. When the body loses water without losing albumin proportionally, the concentration of albumin in the blood increases. Common causes of dehydration include:
- Insufficient fluid intake
- Excessive sweating
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Certain medications like diuretics Other factors that can lead to elevated albumin include:
- The use of anabolic steroids, which stimulate protein synthesis
- High-protein diets in some individuals
- Certain medical procedures like blood transfusions or albumin infusions can temporarily increase albumin levels Hyperalbuminemia is relatively uncommon compared to low albumin levels and is usually not a primary concern but rather a sign of underlying dehydration. The body tightly regulates albumin production in the liver, so true overproduction is rare. If elevated albumin is detected, rehydration is typically the recommended approach, along with addressing any underlying causes of fluid loss. Normal albumin levels typically range from 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL, with levels above this range considered elevated, as per the latest guidelines and recommendations for laboratory analysis in the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus 1. It's essential to note that the albumin-to-creatinine ratio is a continuous marker for cardiovascular event risk at all levels of kidney function, and the risk starts at values that are consistently above 30 mg/g, as indicated in the study 1. Therefore, monitoring and addressing the underlying causes of elevated albumin levels is crucial to prevent potential complications and improve patient outcomes. In the context of diabetes management, the use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs can help reduce the progression of albuminuria and cardiovascular risk, as suggested by the guidelines 1. However, the primary cause of elevated albumin levels should be identified and addressed, whether it's dehydration, medication, or other factors, to ensure optimal patient care.
From the Research
Causes of Elevated Albumin
There is limited research on the causes of elevated albumin levels. However, some studies provide insight into the relationship between albumin levels and various factors:
- Inflammation: A study published in 2020 2 found that elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) values were associated with low serum albumin levels, suggesting that inflammation may contribute to decreased albumin levels. Another study published in 2021 3 found a negative correlation between albumin and CRP levels, indicating that high inflammation may be linked to low albumin levels.
- Hydration status: A study published in 2002 4 found that serum albumin levels were dependent on extracellular fluid volume, suggesting that dehydration or fluid overload may affect albumin levels.
- Nutritional status: The 2020 study 2 also found that increased nutritional risk was associated with low serum albumin levels, indicating that poor nutrition may contribute to decreased albumin levels.
- Liver function: A study published in 2024 5 found that low albumin levels were associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute liver failure, suggesting that liver function may play a role in regulating albumin levels.
Factors Associated with Albumin Levels
Some studies have identified factors that are associated with albumin levels, including:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) levels: As mentioned earlier, high CRP levels have been linked to low albumin levels 2, 3.
- Nutritional risk: Increased nutritional risk has been associated with low albumin levels 2.
- Extracellular fluid volume: Serum albumin levels have been found to be dependent on extracellular fluid volume 4.
- Liver function: Liver function has been linked to albumin levels, with low albumin levels associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute liver failure 5.