Albumin
Low albumin does not automatically mean 'needs more protein.'
Albumin Is a Context Marker
Its concentration reflects inflammation, distribution/capillary permeability, renal or GI losses, dilution and hepatic synthetic capacity — not nutrition alone.
A low albumin is a signal to investigate, not a diagnosis.
Inflammation Lowers Albumin
Albumin is a negative acute-phase reactant.
Acute illness can lower it even when calorie and protein intake are adequate.
Find the Mechanism
Heavy proteinuria points toward renal loss; ascites/coagulopathy toward significant liver disease; severe diarrhea/weight loss can suggest GI protein loss.
Fluid status also changes the measured concentration.
Don't Treat the Lab Number
Albumin infusion has selected clinical indications. A low serum albumin by itself is not an indication to replace albumin or diagnose malnutrition.
Treat the underlying mechanism, not the number.
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