Health Library

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein that is produced in the liver and released into the blood. It helps prevent blood from leaking out of blood vessels, carries medicines and other substances through the blood, and is important for tissue growth and healing.

When albumin levels drop, fluid may collect in the ankles (pedal edema), lungs (pulmonary edema), or abdomen (ascites). Many things can cause low albumin levels. The most common causes include liver disease, malnutrition, severe burns, kidney disease, gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes, Hodgkin lymphoma, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or heart failure.