Hello! 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 -the 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 matters for BNTM patients since breathing takes muscle strength.
Malnutrition can lead to a weaker diaphragm, greater fatigue, slower healing, and a higher risk of infection. This is an important lab to check before a patient has
surgery.

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