As a patient reviews blood work with his doctor, he receives the news that everything seems well, and the patient feels that lightness that comes with knowing he’s healthy. As the patient looks over the numbers and charts that mean little to him, he notices that his albumin levels have been steadily decreasing each year based on his blood work history. He asks his doctor if that’s normal, to which she replies, “Oh yes, just a part of aging.” They move on from the matter discussing more “important” values for the rest of the appointment. With each passing year, this patient’s albumin levels continue to decrease. Should he be concerned?
The doctor in this situation was certainly not wrong. Studies have shown that albumin levels tend to decrease as individuals age. By examining the function of albumin in the body, and how these functions remain important throughout life, we can learn more about the aging process and how various factors, such as the concentration of albumin, contribute to what we identify as aging. Understanding this process better may help individuals take steps to support a more graceful aging process.
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Albumin is a protein found in the plasma of human blood. It is the most abundant protein in the plasma and “accounts for approximately 60% of the total plasma protein by mass.” Ideally, a healthy individual’s albumin levels will be between 3.4-5.4 g/dL.
Its primary function is to serve as a transport mechanism throughout the bloodstream. However, albumin also binds hydrogen ions, transports hormones, helps neutralize certain substances, and distributes medicines throughout the body. Maintaining consistent albumin levels may support these functions as individuals age.
Research is ongoing regarding the correlation between decreasing levels of albumin and its effects on aging. A study from 2018 investigated blood variables that could predict an individual’s biological age and found that the level of circulating albumin was significant.
Albumin also plays a role in maintaining the osmotic pressure of the body, which is important for the blood-brain barrier. This barrier is associated with neurological health as we age. A 2019 study involving mice suggested that changes in albumin levels could impact cognitive function, although more research is needed to understand these effects in humans.
Albumin is a relatively simple yet important protein. While its decline with age is often considered normal, ongoing research may provide new insights into its role in health. For now, it may be helpful to discuss albumin levels with your healthcare provider and explore ways to support overall health as you age.
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