An Overlooked Marker in Cancer Care: Do You Know Your Albumin Level?
In cancer care, most of the focus is placed on tumor markers, imaging results, or responses to treatment. Yet one often-overlooked blood marker—albumin—can quietly reflect a patient’s overall condition, prognosis, and even survival.
Though seemingly simple, this protein tells a deeper story about the body’s nutritional status, inflammation levels, and recovery capacity.
What Is Albumin?
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and plays several essential roles in the bloodstream:
- Maintains fluid balance
- Transports hormones, medications, and fat-soluble vitamins
- Acts as an antioxidant and supports cellular stability
For cancer patients, albumin is not just a lab number—it can be an indicator of strength, immunity, and resilience during treatment.
Low Albumin: More Than Just Poor Nutrition
Many cancer patients experience low albumin levels during treatment. This may signal:
- Ongoing chronic inflammation
- Impaired gastrointestinal absorption or low nutrient intake
- Decreased liver function or synthesis capacity
- Reduced ability for tissue repair and energy metabolism
Studies have linked low albumin with poorer treatment response, higher infection risk, and longer hospital stays.
How Do You Know If Your Albumin Is Normal?
Albumin levels are typically listed on standard blood panels (often labeled as ALB). The normal range is around 3.5–5.0 g/dL.
A level below 3.5, especially when persistent, deserves closer attention to rule out underlying issues.
At BMS: How We Help Optimize Albumin in Cancer Care
At BMS, we don’t only focus on targeting cancer—we support the whole biological environment.
Based on insights from tests like RGCC, our integrated approach includes:
- Personalized nutritional guidance based on bloodwork and functional tests
- IV nutritional support when needed (e.g., amino acids, fat-soluble vitamins)
- Dietary strategies to support absorption and gut health
- Anti-inflammatory nutrients and chelation therapy to reduce interference with albumin production
Final Note: Nutrition Is Not Just About Eating More
Low albumin is often a symptom of deeper physiological imbalance—not just a matter of insufficient food intake.
With the right assessments and strategic interventions, we can strengthen the body’s foundation for better outcomes.
Sometimes, it’s the “small numbers” on your report that tell the most important story.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. ALWAYS CONSULT ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL CONDITION OR MEDICAL PROBLEM THAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. The content of this article is not intended to recommend any specific test, treatment, or medication and should not be construed as such. If you develop symptoms or require medical assistance, please contact a healthcare professional promptly.