Category: Biomarkers

Historically, serum proteins like prealbumin have been widely used by clinicians to determine a patient's nutritional status. However, this practice is now subject to considerable debate, with the scientific community recognizing significant limitations that challenge prealbumin's reliability as a sole biomarker.

According to a position paper from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.), a single, effective laboratory indicator for malnutrition is lacking, making a multi-faceted assessment essential. Determining what is the best indicator of acute protein depletion requires a comprehensive approach that looks beyond just one lab value.

Studies show that self-reported dietary data, while common, is subject to significant misreporting and bias, which is why researchers are increasingly using biomarkers for dietary intake. These objective measures, derived from biological samples like blood and urine, provide a more accurate and reliable assessment of a person's nutritional exposure.

For decades, low serum albumin was a common marker used to diagnose and assess malnutrition, particularly in hospitalized patients. However, modern nutritional science and clinical guidelines now recognize that the actual answer to 'What is the role of albumin in nutritional support?' is far more nuanced, with albumin levels primarily reflecting inflammation and disease severity rather than nutritional status alone.

While many people assume 'CGA' is a dietary nutrient, Chromogranin A (CgA) is a protein produced within the body and is a crucial biomarker for various health conditions. It is secreted by neuroendocrine cells and acts as a precursor for several bioactive peptides that regulate metabolic and physiological functions. This means that while not a dietary protein, its presence and activity are deeply intertwined with the body's internal state and overall nutrition.

Historically, single lab tests like serum albumin were used to assess nutrition, but experts now agree there is no single best marker for chronic protein energy malnutrition. A more comprehensive, multi-faceted approach is necessary for accurate diagnosis, especially given the confounding effects of inflammation.