What Increases Your Albumin Levels and How to Improve Them

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a Cleveland Clinic study, over 70% of hospitalized patients aged 70 and older experience hypoalbuminemia, or low albumin. This statistic underscores the crucial need to understand what increases your albumin and the factors that influence its levels in the body.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the causes of low albumin and provides actionable strategies for increasing levels. It explores the role of diet, hydration, exercise, and addressing underlying medical conditions to support healthy albumin production.

Key Points

Address the root cause: Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) is a symptom. Treating the underlying condition is the most effective long-term solution.
Eat high-quality protein: Include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, and legumes to supply essential amino acids for albumin synthesis.
Consider nutritional supplements: Protein supplements can help those with poor appetite increase intake under medical guidance.
Manage inflammation: Chronic inflammation reduces albumin production. Addressing the cause of inflammation is crucial.
Stay hydrated and active: Hydration ensures accurate test results, and moderate exercise supports protein synthesis.
Avoid alcohol and smoking: These habits damage the liver, which produces albumin. Limiting or quitting is beneficial.
Intravenous infusions are for severe cases: IV albumin infusions are for critical conditions for stabilization but don't fix the underlying problem.

Albumin is a vital protein made by the liver, essential for functions like maintaining blood pressure, transporting nutrients and hormones, and preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. While a high albumin level is often a temporary sign of dehydration, a persistently low level (hypoalbuminemia) indicates an underlying health issue. The most effective way to increase your albumin is not simply by consuming more protein, but by treating the root cause.

Dietary and Nutritional Strategies to Increase Albumin

Proper nutrition is fundamental for supporting the liver's ability to produce albumin. Malnutrition, especially a diet low in high-quality protein, is a primary cause of low albumin.

Prioritize High-Quality Protein

High-quality proteins provide the essential amino acids needed for albumin synthesis.

Animal sources: Lean meats, poultry, fish (like salmon and tuna), eggs (egg whites are particularly rich), and dairy products (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese) are good sources. Those with kidney issues should watch potassium and phosphorus from dairy.
Plant-based options: Nuts, legumes, and tofu are important protein sources, especially for vegetarians/vegans.

Consider Protein Supplements

Supplements like whey protein or specialized drinks can help those with poor appetite or absorption issues increase protein intake under guidance, particularly beneficial for dialysis patients.

Include Vitamins and Minerals

Nutrients like zinc and vitamin C support protein synthesis. Good sources include citrus fruits, leafy greens, and nuts.

Lifestyle and Medical Interventions

Other factors influencing albumin often require treating the underlying health problem.

Manage Inflammation and Treat Underlying Conditions

Chronic inflammation from illness or infection reduces albumin production as the body focuses on other proteins. Treating the source of inflammation is crucial for long-term improvement.

Stay Adequately Hydrated

Dehydration causes high albumin due to blood concentration. Proper hydration ensures accurate test results and is vital for overall health.

Avoid Alcohol and Smoking

Both damage the liver, impairing albumin production. Reducing or stopping improves liver function.

Consider Medications or Infusions

Severe cases, like those with significant liver disease or burns, may need medical intervention, including medications, kidney function management, or IV albumin infusions in critical situations.

Exercise Regularly

Moderate exercise improves overall protein synthesis, including albumin, and helps maintain muscle mass, especially in older adults.

Albumin-Boosting Strategies: Nutritional vs. Medical


Strategy	Mechanism	Effectiveness	Best for...
High-Protein Diet	Provides essential amino acids for liver synthesis.	Gradual improvement. Requires consistent intake.	Malnutrition, poor dietary protein intake.
Protein Supplements	Offers concentrated amino acids.	Faster for those with absorption issues or poor appetite.	Patients with appetite loss, dialysis patients (under supervision).
IV Albumin Infusion	Direct, intravenous administration.	Rapid but temporary increase. Does not fix the underlying cause.	Severe, critical cases (sepsis, burns, liver failure).
Treating Underlying Illness	Resolves the root cause (e.g., inflammation, liver disease).	Long-term, sustainable improvement. Can be slow.	Most cases of hypoalbuminemia.
Hydration Correction	Restores proper blood fluid volume.	Quickly normalizes lab results if dehydration is the cause of high albumin.	Hyperalbuminemia due to dehydration.

Conclusion

Increasing albumin effectively means addressing the underlying cause. Strategies include a nutrient-rich, high-protein diet, managing inflammation, and healthy lifestyle choices. Medical professionals may recommend supplements or IV infusions in severe cases for stabilization. A personalized approach with healthcare providers and dietitians is key to restoring healthy levels and improving overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary cause of low albumin is typically an underlying medical condition like liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation, not just insufficient protein intake.

While a protein-rich diet is necessary, it's often not enough if an underlying medical issue is the root cause. A dietitian can help tailor a diet plan.

Foods rich in high-quality protein include eggs, lean meats, poultry, fish like salmon and tuna, dairy products like Greek yogurt, and plant-based proteins like legumes, nuts, and tofu.

Dehydration increases albumin levels by concentrating the protein in the blood (hyperalbuminemia). Levels return to normal with rehydration.

Albumin levels change slowly over several weeks of consistent nutritional changes and addressing the underlying issue.

Yes, protein and vitamin supplements can support albumin synthesis for those with poor appetite or malabsorption, but consult a healthcare provider first.

IV albumin infusions are for severe cases like critical burns, sepsis, or advanced liver disease to stabilize patients, but they don't treat the underlying cause.