Albumin: normal range and what it means

The main blood protein, made by the liver — reflects nutrition and liver health.

Normal range

Adult reference range.

  • Low< 3.8 g/dL
  • Normal3.8 – 5 g/dL
  • High≥ 5 g/dL
2.55.8 g/dL

What it measures

The most abundant protein in blood, made by the liver. It holds fluid inside vessels and carries hormones and drugs, and it drops in liver disease, malnutrition and inflammation.

What moves it

Nutrition, liver synthesis, inflammation and hydration. It falls in prolonged inflammation, which also drags down total calcium readings.

How to bring it into range

Adequate protein intake supports it, but a low result usually reflects illness or inflammation rather than diet.

How fast it responds

Two to three weeks.

Also reported as: serum albumin

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Common questions

What is a normal Albumin level?
Normal: 3.8 – 5 g/dL. Adult reference range.
What does a high Albumin mean?
A value above the reference band means Albumin is outside the range typical for a healthy adult. A single reading is rarely conclusive on its own — what matters is the trend across draws and the other markers around it, which is why HealthOS reads the whole panel together rather than one number at a time.
How do I improve my Albumin?
Adequate protein intake supports it, but a low result usually reflects illness or inflammation rather than diet.

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Reference ranges are general-population guidance compiled from common clinical laboratories, not a diagnosis. Lab-to-lab ranges differ. Always read your results with your doctor.