Optimal Ranges
What is the optimal range for Albumin?
Clinical (NHS) Range
35-50 g/L
g/L
Performance-Optimised Range
42-48 g/L
g/L
| Range | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical (NHS) reference range | 35-50 g/L | g/L |
| Performance-optimised range | 42-48 g/L | g/L |
The clinical range defines what is considered medically “normal” — broad enough to cover 95% of the population. The performance range reflects where research and clinical experience suggest most people feel and function at their best. A result in either range suggests typical status and is not a diagnosis; any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Why It Matters
Why Albumin matters for performance
Low albumin reflects two distinct things: reduced liver synthetic capacity, or systemic inflammation pulling protein into tissues. Either way, albumin tracks ageing closely — in the PhenoAge algorithm a 1 g/L drop adds roughly one biological year. Sustained levels above 45 g/L are associated with longer healthspan, better surgical outcomes, and lower all-cause mortality. Most healthy adults sit in the 40-50 g/L range; values below 38 g/L warrant investigation.
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of low or high Albumin?
Low / Deficiency
- Persistent ankle or eyelid oedema
- Slow wound healing
- Muscle loss disproportionate to diet
- Fatigue and frequent infections
- Frothy urine (if from kidney loss)
High / Excess
- Usually indicates dehydration, not true elevation
- May appear during diuretic use
Dietary Sources
Which foods support Albumin levels?
Supplementation
How do you improve Albumin levels?
Albumin itself is not supplemented; it is synthesised by the liver from dietary amino acids. Target 1.2-1.6 g of high-quality protein per kg of body weight daily, with leucine-rich sources spread across meals. Address inflammation and gut health if levels stay low despite adequate intake. Liver-supportive nutrients (choline, B vitamins, NAC) can support synthesis where liver capacity is the limiter.
Testing
How is Albumin tested in the UK?
Albumin is measured from a blood sample. With Helvy, that means a finger-prick kit taken at home and posted to a UKAS-accredited UK laboratory, with results in around 5 days, reviewed by a qualified clinician. Your result is reported against both the clinical range (35-50 g/L) and the performance-optimal range (42-48 g/L), so you can see not just whether you are “normal” but whether you are optimal. If you make a change, retest after 8-12 weeks to confirm it worked.
Research
Key study
An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan
Levine ME, Lu AT, Quach A, et al.
Aging (Albany NY) (2018)
DOI: 10.18632/aging.101414Related Biomarkers
Related Guides
Explore Albumin in depth
Test your Albumin levels
Albumin is included in the Helvy 50+ biomarker panel. Get your results in 5 days with a personalised protocol.
Order Your TestThis content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Your data suggests areas for optimisation, but any concerns should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. If your results flag values outside safe ranges, we recommend consulting your GP.