Albumin is a protein manufactured by the liver. It is most abundant in human plasma. Normally it constitutes about 55% of all plasma proteins. Albumin performs multiple functions, including transport of many small molecules in the blood, such as bilirubin, calcium, and magnesium. Albumin also binds to toxins and heavy metals, thereby preventing damage they might otherwise cause to your body. One of albumin's major roles is in the maintenance of "osmotic or oncotic pressure" that causes fluid to remain within the blood stream instead of leaking out into the tissues.¹

Possible causes of a decrease in the level of albumin in the blood include liver or kidney disease or increased loss of albumin from circulation (eg, due to shock). A diseased liver might produce less albumin. In kidney disease, albumin can escape into the urine in large amounts. Severe malnutrition or a very low protein diet can also reduce the albumin level.¹

If the concentration of albumin gets very low, fluid moves from the blood vessels into the tissues, resulting in swelling in the ankles (edema). This fluid can also accumulate in the abdomen (ascites) and in the lungs (pulmonary edema).¹

Providing albumin by intravenous administration may improve these problems and correct the low albumin level.

Albumin for therapeutic use is extracted from collected blood plasma by the use of a fractionation process separating albumin from plasma and other plasma components.² Albumin is prepared as a sterile solution, contains no preservatives, and is heated to prevent transmitted viruses.³

Remember, your doctor or healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health, your symptoms, or your therapy.

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