Pre-Albumin, also known as transthyretin, is a protein made by your liver. It has an important job in carrying thyroid hormones and vitamin A throughout your body. It also helps with the growth and repair of your body tissues. Pre-Albumin is a useful indicator of your nutritional health, as its levels can quickly change based on your protein intake. Think of it as a delivery service within your body, making sure essential nutrients and hormones get to where they're needed most.
If Your Levels Are High
Elevated Pre-Albumin levels might mean that your body is trying to fight off an infection or dealing with inflammation. This protein is produced more when your body is working hard to protect itself from harm. High levels could also suggest that your liver is putting in extra effort, possibly due to increased protein intake or certain medications like steroids. Additionally, high Pre-Albumin levels might be linked to kidney issues, as the kidneys help remove excess proteins from your body. Chronic conditions such as heart disease or cancer could potentially cause higher Pre-Albumin levels as well. Keep in mind that these are possible reasons for elevated levels and not definite diagnoses.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of Pre-Albumin are not typically specific and may not be noticeable, as they often overlap with symptoms of the underlying conditions that cause the elevation.
If Your Levels are Low
Low levels of Pre-Albumin might mean that your body isn't getting enough protein from the food you eat, or it's having trouble absorbing it. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as not eating enough protein-rich foods, having trouble digesting and absorbing nutrients, or losing too much protein from your body. Some medications, like birth control pills or anti-inflammatory drugs, could also affect your Pre-Albumin levels. Additionally, long-term health issues like liver disease or inflammation might impact how much Pre-Albumin your body makes. While these are some possible reasons for low Pre-Albumin levels, there could be other factors at play, and more investigation might be needed to figure out the exact cause.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of low levels of Pre-Albumin could include fatigue, muscle weakness, unexplained weight loss, and edema (swelling due to fluid accumulation).
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This is a single-marker test measuring prealbumin. The serum concentration of prealbumin proteins reflects the synthesis capacity of the liver and is markedly diminished in malnutrition and other conditions.
Prealbumin by Access Labcorp Draw
Serum
This is a single-marker test measuring prealbumin. The serum concentration of prealbumin proteins reflects the synthesis capacity of the liver and is markedly diminished in malnutrition and other conditions.
Prealbumin by Quest Diagnostics
Serum
Prealbumin - Prealbumin is decreased in protein-calorie malnutrition, liver disease, and acute inflammation. It may be used as an indicator of nutritional requirements and response to therapy during total parenteral nutrition and as a biochemical marker of nutritional adequacy in premature infants.