Albumin and Prealbumin were
discussed during our recent BNTM Coffee Break.


Total protein has two main
components—albumin and globulin. The body’s protein is derived from ingested
food and is influenced by the quality of diet, as well as by liver and kidney
function.

Below is a basic review of
Albumin vs. Prealbumin
-Think of them as nutrition markers with different time speeds.🥣 Albumin =
“Long-term fuel tank”. Albumin reflects overall nutrition over weeks to months. Low albumin can
mean: poor nutrition over time, chronic illness/inflammation. Low
albumin is linked with weaker
breathing muscles and slower recovery.

Prealbumin = “Weekly
check-in”. Prealbumin reflects recent protein intake (last few days to a
week).

This marker is helpful
to see if nutrition support is working, if protein intake is improving, and if recovery is moving in the right direction.
It also drops with infection, inflammation,
stress

and steroid use.
This is an important lab to check before a patient has surgery.

This
matters for BNTM patients since breathing takes muscle strength. Malnutrition
can lead to a weaker diaphragm,
more fatigue, slower healing, and a higher infection risk.

This
explains why good nutrition is so important for us. We may be tired on some days to prepare meals, but finding a way to have quick and easy meals available is essential to a
better quality of life.