Helvy
Liver & Protein
In the UK, the standard clinical (NHS) reference range for Albumin is 35-50 g/L, with 42-48 g/L considered the performance-optimised range. A result within these ranges suggests typical status; only a qualified clinician can interpret an individual reading.
Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma, synthesised exclusively in the liver. It maintains oncotic pressure (keeps fluid inside blood vessels), transports hormones, fatty acids, calcium, and many drugs, and acts as a buffer against oxidative damage. Serum albumin is one of the nine biomarkers in the Levine PhenoAge algorithm — falling levels are one of the strongest blood-based predictors of biological ageing.
Optimal range · UK
42-48 g/L
Performance-optimised band · clinical (NHS) range 35-50 g/L
Reference ranges for Albumin, not a personal result. Any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Optimal ranges
| Range | Value |
|---|---|
| Clinical (NHS) reference range | 35-50 g/L |
| Performance-optimised range | 42-48 g/L |
The clinical range defines what is considered medically “normal” — broad enough to cover 95% of the population. The performance range reflects where research and clinical experience suggest most people feel and function at their best. A result in either range suggests typical status and is not a diagnosis; any individual reading should be interpreted by a qualified clinician.
Why it matters
Low albumin reflects two distinct things: reduced liver synthetic capacity, or systemic inflammation pulling protein into tissues. Either way, albumin tracks ageing closely — in the PhenoAge algorithm a 1 g/L drop adds roughly one biological year. Sustained levels above 45 g/L are associated with longer healthspan, better surgical outcomes, and lower all-cause mortality. Most healthy adults sit in the 40-50 g/L range; values below 38 g/L warrant investigation.
Symptoms
Low / Deficiency
High / Excess
Dietary sources
Supplementation
Albumin itself is not supplemented; it is synthesised by the liver from dietary amino acids. Target 1.2-1.6 g of high-quality protein per kg of body weight daily, with leucine-rich sources spread across meals. Address inflammation and gut health if levels stay low despite adequate intake. Liver-supportive nutrients (choline, B vitamins, NAC) can support synthesis where liver capacity is the limiter.
Testing
Albumin is measured from a blood sample. With Helvy, that means a finger-prick kit taken at home and posted to a UKAS-accredited UK laboratory, with results in around 5 days, reviewed by a qualified clinician. Your result is reported against both the clinical range (35-50 g/L) and the performance-optimal range (42-48 g/L), so you can see not just whether you are “normal” but whether you are optimal. If you make a change, retest after 8-12 weeks to confirm it worked.
Research
An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan
Levine ME, Lu AT, Quach A, et al.
Aging (Albany NY) (2018)
DOI: 10.18632/aging.101414Test for this
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This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Your data suggests areas for optimisation, but any concerns should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. If your results flag values outside safe ranges, we recommend consulting your GP.
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