What does it mean to have low albumin levels?

Low albumin levels may be caused by various factors, mainly including: 1. Malnutrition: Long-term insufficient protein intake or poor nutritional status can lead to a lack of raw materials for albumin synthesis, thereby affecting albumin production. 2. Liver dysfunction: Albumin is primarily synthesized in the liver. Liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis may reduce the liver's ability to synthesize albumin, leading to low albumin levels. 3. Kidney dysfunction: Kidney diseases such as nephrotic syndrome and diabetic nephropathy may cause significant loss of albumin through urine, thereby reducing albumin levels in the plasma. 4. Chronic wasting diseases: Conditions such as malignant tumors and tuberculosis may place the body in a state of excessive consumption, leading to significant depletion of albumin.