How much must albumin decrease to suggest liver disease?

Generally, an albumin level below 35 g/L may suggest the possible presence of liver disease, but clinical context must be considered for comprehensive evaluation. The normal reference range for albumin is 35–55 g/L. A decreased level reflects impaired liver synthetic function and serves as an important indicator in assessing liver health. If albumin levels remain persistently low or are accompanied by symptoms such as jaundice or ascites, prompt medical attention is recommended.

The liver is the primary organ responsible for albumin synthesis. When liver cells are damaged, their synthetic capacity declines, leading to a gradual decrease in blood albumin levels. Mild reductions may signal early-stage liver injuries such as chronic hepatitis or fatty liver, while more significant decreases may indicate severe liver conditions like cirrhosis or severe hepatitis.

It's important to note that low albumin is not specific to liver disease—malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome, and chronic infections can also lead to reduced albumin levels. Therefore, diagnosis should integrate other liver function tests such as transaminases and bilirubin, along with clinical symptoms and patient history, to avoid misinterpretation based on a single parameter.

In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate intake of high-quality proteins such as eggs, milk, and fish is essential. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and the misuse of medications that may harm the liver. Maintain regular sleep patterns without staying up late, and undergo routine liver function check-ups to support healthy liver synthetic function.