Is a prealbumin level of 190 mg/L severely low?
Aug 03, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Heyang
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the normal prealbumin level for infants around 1 year of age is approximately 100 mg/L, while for children aged 1–3 years, the normal range is 168–281 mg/L. In adults, the normal prealbumin level ranges from 280 to 360 mg/L. A prealbumin level of 190 mg/L falls outside the normal ranges for both infants around 1 year old and adults.
Under normal circumstances, the normal prealbumin level for infants around 1 year of age is approximately 100 mg/L, for children aged 1–3 years it ranges from 168 to 281 mg/L, and for adults it is between 280 and 360 mg/L. A prealbumin level of 190 mg/L does not fall within the normal range for infants around 1 year old or for adults. If this level is caused by malnutrition, the condition is generally not serious; however, if it results from other diseases, it may be more severe. In children aged 1–3 years, a level of 190 mg/L falls within the normal range and has no significant clinical implications. Details are as follows:
1. Serious
Typically, normal prealbumin levels vary with age: about 100 mg/L for infants around 1 year old, 168–281 mg/L for children aged 1–3 years, and 280–360 mg/L for adults. A prealbumin level of 190 mg/L lies outside the normal range for both infants and adults—being relatively high for infants and low for adults, which indicates an abnormality. The liver normally produces albumin, but albumin can be lost through the kidneys. If the abnormal level is due to conditions such as nephritis or cirrhosis, symptoms like fatigue, decreased appetite, hematuria (blood in urine), and proteinuria (protein in urine) may occur, making the situation potentially serious.
2. Not Serious
If a child aged 1–3 years has a prealbumin level of 190 mg/L, this value is within the normal range and carries no significant clinical meaning. However, for infants around 1 year old or adults, this level would indicate an abnormality. If the cause is malnutrition, patients can improve their condition by increasing intake of nutrient-rich foods such as soy milk and tofu. In such cases, the condition is generally not considered serious.
In summary, whether a prealbumin level of 190 mg/L is serious depends on the individual's age and underlying causes. If test results are abnormal, further evaluation is essential to determine the exact cause and guide appropriate treatment.
