What is Albumin

Albumin is a kind of water-soluble protein which is found in numerous forms in the natural world. It is an essential protein which is very important to maintain good health of living organisms. A number of plants and animals have this protein in them or may secrete the same in the form of waste. In human beings, it is present in the blood as well as the urine.

In human beings, this protein is present in the blood, where it performs a very important function of transporting essential fatty acids from the fats to the muscle tissues. Another function is that it regulates the process of osmosis. Also, Albumin transports all kinds of substances through the blood such as hormones, drugs, etc. Lastly, it provides the body with proteins which are needed to repair the tissues and maintain their growth.

Albumin is a very essential component of the blood. That is why its deficiency can lead to many medical problems. A blood test can be performed to check its level in blood. If the level is less than normal, the doctor may advise the consumption of protein-rich foods if the deficiency is due to malnutrition.

Besides low-protein diet, there are a number of other causes for this protein deficiency. They are:

• Infections in the foot, teeth, or gums
• Bladder infections
• Inflammations such as lupus and arthritis
• Health conditions such as liver problems, kidney diseases, and metabolic acidosis
• Other health conditions such as Crohn's disease, in which the body is not able to absorb or digest proteins

Meats such as beef, fish, pork, and chicken, besides eggs and milk are the best sources of protein, and hence should be included in the diet. Some other foods that help overcome the protein deficiency are beans, nuts, vegetables, and grains. How much of these foods should be included in the diet, totally depends on the body's requirement, and a dietitian or a doctor is the best person to suggest that.

If low-albumin levels are due to some serious problems such as a liver or a kidney disease, then treating these conditions will help bring back the levels to normal range.

Along with the blood test, doctors may recommend a urine test as well, especially if the deficiency is due to a kidney disease, to determine the level of this protein in urine. If its levels are extremely high, then a condition known as 'proteinuria' could be the reason. Proteinuria is a condition, in which proteins from the blood leak into the urine because the damaged kidneys are unable to filter them properly.

It can signal a number of health diseases and conditions such as diabetes, chronic-kidney disease, and high-blood pressure. Therefore, it is essential to keep a track of one's albumin levels in the body by undertaking monthly blood and urine tests. This will help a person prevent and diagnose many of the health complications.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.