What to eat if you have low albumin? 5 foods to quickly increase albumin at home

Low blood albumin is not simply a sign of “malnutrition.” In adults, serum albumin is usually around 3.5–5.0 g/dL; levels of 3.1–3.4 g/dL may be classified as mild malnutrition, and below 2.4 g/dL is considered very low in some nutritional assessment scales.

If tests show low albumin, many immediately search for what to eat for low albumin, how to increase albumin, or how to raise blood albumin. However, eating more protein does not always address the root cause, as low albumin can also be related to liver disease, protein loss through the kidneys or digestive tract, inflammation, and malnutrition.

In this article, Tiptory helps you understand what to eat for low albumin, how to supplement protein, and when to seek medical causes to safely increase blood albumin, instead of just trying to eat a lot of meat, eggs, or milk.

Part 1: Proper protein supplementation to increase Albumin

Tip 1: Eat enough protein to increase Albumin

Supplement protein with every meal

• Eating enough protein is an important part of the diet when needing to support albumin increase. Instead of concentrating protein into one meal, it should be distributed appropriately throughout meals to provide the body with a consistent supply of raw materials for maintaining and producing protein.

• Prioritize high-quality protein sources such as lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, and some plant-based protein-rich foods. For example, about 85g of chicken breast can provide about 26g of protein, cod or salmon about 19–22g, and ground pork about 22g of protein. Actual amounts may vary depending on the type of food and preparation method.

• When researching what to eat for low albumin, don't focus solely on one type of food. A diverse diet that meets sufficient energy and protein needs will be more suitable for the goal of increasing blood albumin, especially for individuals at risk of malnutrition.

If you don't eat meat, you can still get enough protein

• Vegetarians or those who eat little meat can choose plant-based protein sources such as beans, soybeans, tofu, nuts, and grains. Combining multiple food groups helps diversify protein sources in the diet.

• If it is difficult to meet protein needs through regular food, a nutritionist can help create a suitable diet plan or consider protein supplements when necessary. Do not arbitrarily use large amounts of protein powder solely with the goal of increasing blood albumin.

Dialysis patients need to choose protein according to kidney disease

• If you are undergoing dialysis or hemodialysis, protein needs may differ from healthy individuals. KDIGO recommends that adult hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis patients usually need about 1.0–1.2 g of protein/kg body weight/day, but the specific diet needs to be individualized.

• Protein sources such as lean meat, poultry, eggs, fish, tofu, or meat substitutes suitable for a kidney patient's diet can be chosen.

• Do not mechanically apply the principle of "the lower the albumin, the more protein you should eat." For people with chronic kidney disease not yet on dialysis, KDIGO recommends about 0.8 g protein/kg/day in CKD stages G3–G5 and advises against excessively high protein diets above 1.3 g/kg/day in people at risk of progressive disease.

Don't just look at Albumin to assess nutrition

• Low albumin is not always due to insufficient protein intake. Inflammation, liver disease, protein loss through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract, and many other medical conditions can also alter albumin levels.

• Therefore, if tests show persistently low albumin, the important step is not just to find out what to eat for low albumin, but also to identify the cause. A nutritionist or doctor can simultaneously assess diet, weight, underlying conditions, and relevant tests before setting appropriate goals for increasing albumin.

Tip 2: Eat a balanced diet to support Albumin increase

Maintain balanced meals

• When albumin is low, protein is very important, but other food groups should not be ignored. A balanced meal should include protein, vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates such as rice, noodles, bread, or various grains.

• What to eat for low albumin does not mean eating only meat, fish, or eggs. The body still needs sufficient energy from carbohydrates and healthy fats to utilize protein effectively, rather than using protein as the primary energy source.

• You can increase the amount of protein in familiar dishes without completely changing the menu. For example:

  • Add finely mashed hard-boiled eggs or tuna to noodles, pasta, or rice dishes.

  • Add shredded chicken or finely sliced lean meat to soups, porridges, and stews.

  • Combine fish, lean meat, or tofu with rice and vegetables in the same meal.

  • Eat suitable fruits as part of your daily diet instead of focusing solely on protein-rich foods.

Distribute food appropriately throughout the day

• Instead of trying to eat a large amount of protein in one meal, divide protein sources evenly into main meals. This approach makes the diet easier to follow and helps meet overall nutritional needs.

• If you are looking for ways to increase blood albumin, prioritize a diet that is sufficient in energy, diverse, and suitable for your health condition. Individuals with kidney disease, liver disease, or undergoing dialysis need specific guidance from a doctor or nutritionist, as protein, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake may need adjustment.

• Most importantly, increasing albumin does not solely depend on eating more protein. Low albumin can be related to inflammation, liver disease, protein loss through the kidneys, or other health issues. Therefore, the diet should be accompanied by identifying and treating the underlying cause of low albumin.

Tip 3: Eat a nutritious breakfast to support Albumin

Maintain breakfast every day

• When albumin is low, maintaining a regular breakfast can help you replenish energy and protein right from the start of the day. Instead of skipping meals, build a breakfast with enough protein, carbohydrates, and nutrient-rich foods to support your overall diet.

• You can choose familiar protein-rich foods such as eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt, or peanut butter. If you are looking for what to eat for low albumin, prioritize foods that suit your nutritional needs and underlying conditions rather than focusing on a single item.

Prioritize protein-rich foods for breakfast

• Eggs are a convenient choice for protein supplementation. One large egg provides about 6–7 g of protein, while egg whites are also a high-quality protein source.

• You can combine eggs with whole-wheat toast, oatmeal, vegetables, or fruits to create a balanced breakfast. For example, a serving of toast with eggs and vegetables will provide protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.

• It should not be understood that eating more egg whites will directly increase blood albumin. Albumin in the blood is primarily synthesized in the liver, so improving albumin also depends on nutritional status, liver function, degree of inflammation, and the cause of low albumin.

Eat breakfast, but it needs to be suitable for your underlying condition

• If you have kidney disease, are on dialysis, have liver disease, or need to manage blood sugar, breakfast needs to be adjusted individually. Some protein-rich foods may also contain significant amounts of potassium, phosphorus, or sodium.

• Therefore, the goal of increasing albumin should be achieved through a complete and healthy diet. If low albumin persists or significantly decreases in tests, you should discuss it with your doctor or nutritionist to determine the cause before self-increasing protein intake.

Tip 4: Eat enough meals to support Albumin increase

Avoid skipping meals

• When albumin is low, regularly skipping meals can lead to insufficient total daily energy and protein intake. Instead of trying to eat a lot at once, maintain regular meals and divide portions if you get full quickly or have difficulty eating enough.

• If you accidentally miss a meal, do not continue to fast or try to eat too much at the next meal. Return to your normal eating schedule and supplement with an appropriate protein-rich portion. For people on dialysis, the National Kidney Foundation recommends eating protein-rich foods with every meal to help maintain muscle mass and blood protein levels.

Divide meals into smaller portions if you find it hard to eat a lot

• If you feel full quickly, you can divide your intake into several smaller meals throughout the day. This helps increase your total energy and protein intake without feeling like you have to eat an overly large meal.

• Some protein-rich options for snacks include eggs, yogurt, cheese, tofu, or peanut butter. However, what to eat for low albumin should be chosen based on your health condition and underlying disease, especially if you have kidney disease.

Be cautious with cheese and dairy products

• Cottage cheese can be a protein supplement option, but it should not be assumed to be the "best" food to increase blood albumin. Dairy products can contain significant amounts of phosphorus and potassium, so kidney patients need to refer to laboratory results and prescribed diets.

• If you want to use cottage cheese or dairy products as a snack, you can combine them with suitable fruits or eat them with bread. People on dialysis should ask a renal nutritionist about specific portion sizes instead of increasing their intake on their own.

If you are on dialysis, do not arbitrarily increase protein

• Dialysis patients often have higher protein needs than people with chronic kidney disease not yet on dialysis, because the dialysis process can cause some protein loss and the body needs to be adequately nourished.

• Conversely, people with chronic kidney disease not yet on dialysis may need to control protein intake. KDIGO 2024 suggests about 0.8 g protein/kg body weight/day for adults with CKD stages G3–G5 and recommends avoiding excessively high protein intake above 1.3 g/kg/day in people at risk of progressive disease.

• Therefore, the goal of increasing albumin does not mean that the more protein you eat, the better. If low albumin persists, seek the cause and develop a diet plan with a doctor or nutritionist, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or are on dialysis.

Tip 5: Protein-rich smoothies to support Albumin increase

Use protein-rich smoothies when protein supplementation is needed

• Protein-rich smoothies are a convenient way to supplement energy and protein, especially for individuals with low albumin who often get full quickly or have difficulty eating enough. However, smoothies should only be considered part of a diet, not a direct method to increase blood albumin.

• You can combine unsweetened plant-based milk with Greek yogurt, appropriate protein powder, and fruits. For people with kidney disease, it is advisable to check the ingredients on the label as some plant-based milks or protein powders may contain high levels of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, or phosphate additives.

Prioritize suitable protein sources

• Greek yogurt can help increase the protein content in smoothies. You can blend it with fruits and a small amount of suitable grains to create an energy-rich snack.

• If using protein powder, do not arbitrarily use high doses just to increase albumin. Protein supplements can be useful when regular meals do not meet sufficient needs, but the necessary amount of protein depends on age, weight, nutritional status, and underlying medical conditions.

Kidney patients need special caution

• If you are on dialysis or have chronic kidney disease, the smoothie formula needs to be adjusted according to your potassium and phosphorus test results and protein needs. Not all "protein-rich" smoothies are suitable for a kidney patient's diet.

• Cow's milk and yogurt can provide protein but also contain phosphorus; meanwhile, some plant-based milks may have varying amounts of potassium or phosphorus. Therefore, do not assume that almond milk or rice milk is always better than cow's milk. Choose products based on your test results and the guidance of a nutritionist.

Simple preparation method

• When looking for what to eat for low albumin, you can start with a simple recipe: milk or a drink suitable for your diet + protein-rich yogurt + suitable fruits + a source of carbohydrates or healthy fats if more energy is needed.

• If you often don't eat enough meals, a smoothie can become a protein-rich snack. However, the long-term goal is still to build a balanced diet with sufficient energy and protein, rather than relying on supplements.

• Most importantly, low albumin can be related to inflammation, liver disease, protein loss through the kidneys, or many other causes. Therefore, if albumin remains low, consult a doctor to find the cause instead of just increasing protein or using smoothies to try to raise the test results.

Part 2: Nutritional advice for safe Albumin increase

Tip 1: Share your eating preferences with a specialist

Let your nutritionist know what you like to eat

• When albumin is low, the diet should not be built according to a general formula for everyone. Let your nutritionist know what you usually eat, what dishes you like, what you don't like, and what foods you find difficult to eat or cannot consume.

• You can record your menu for 1–3 days, including main meals, snacks, drinks, and estimated quantities. This information helps the specialist assess your actual intake, energy and protein supply, and thus identify areas for adjustment.

Adjust familiar dishes instead of completely changing the menu

• If you are looking for what to eat for low albumin, prioritize changes that you can sustain long-term. For example:

  • Prefer rice: you can add fish, lean meat, eggs, or tofu to your meal.

  • Prefer porridge or soup: add shredded chicken, fish, or eggs to increase protein.

  • Prefer bread: combine with eggs, cheese, or a suitable protein source.

  • Difficulty eating large portions: divide into smaller, more frequent meals and add snacks as needed.

• This approach makes the diet more practical, rather than forcing yourself into a menu that is too different from your daily habits. In particular, nutritional counseling should take into account individual preferences, eating culture, and ability to adhere.

Do not rely solely on albumin levels to change your diet

• An important point when trying to increase blood albumin is that serum albumin is not an accurate indicator of nutritional status. Albumin levels are also significantly affected by inflammation, acute or chronic illness, fluid status, and several other pathological factors.

• Therefore, nutritionists often need to consider many factors simultaneously, such as actual food intake, weight changes, underlying diseases, absorption capacity, inflammatory status, and other nutritional markers before recommending how to increase albumin.

Consult a specialist if low albumin persists

• If tests show persistently low albumin, do not arbitrarily increase protein significantly or use supplements solely to raise albumin levels. The more important goal is to ensure sufficient energy and nutrients, while identifying the cause of the decreased albumin.

• Individuals with kidney disease, liver disease, or those undergoing dialysis require personalized meal plans. In such cases, the intake of protein, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluids may need to be adjusted according to their specific condition. A nutritionist can help transform your favorite dishes into versions that are more suitable for your health goals.

Tip 2: Choose protein alternatives to meat to increase Albumin

Discussing meat protein alternatives

• If you don't eat meat, ensuring sufficient protein intake is even more crucial when you have low albumin. Discuss your eating habits with a nutritionist to choose appropriate protein sources, instead of simply eliminating meat without supplementing with alternatives.

• Some options include tofu, soybeans, legumes, eggs, and plant-based meat substitutes. The selection should be based on total protein, energy, and the individual's health status.

Prioritize quality plant-based protein

• When researching what to eat for low albumin, vegetarians can combine various plant-based protein sources throughout the day to diversify their diet. Tofu and soy products are convenient options that can be easily incorporated into rice, noodles, porridge, or vegetables.

• It's important not to assume that all meat substitutes are good for people with low albumin. Some processed foods can be high in sodium and phosphorus, especially if they contain phosphate additives.

Kidney patients need to check potassium and phosphorus levels

• If you have kidney disease or are undergoing dialysis, choosing meat protein alternatives requires more caution. Protein needs and limits for potassium, phosphorus, and sodium can vary depending on the stage of the disease and test results.

• When buying meat substitutes, read the nutrition label and prioritize products with sodium and phosphorus levels that are appropriate for your prescribed diet. For kidney patients, do not unilaterally switch entirely to a diet rich in soy or legumes solely with the goal of increasing blood albumin.

Build a suitable alternative diet plan

• If you want to increase albumin, the goal is not just to find a "protein-rich" food, but to ensure that your overall diet provides enough energy and protein throughout the day.

• A nutritionist can help you replace meat with protein sources that suit your preferences, eating culture, and underlying medical conditions. This approach makes the diet easier to maintain and avoids protein deficiency when meat is removed from the menu.

• If low albumin persists, the cause needs to be evaluated rather than just increasing protein intake. Albumin can decrease due to inflammation, liver disease, protein loss through the kidneys, or other health issues; therefore, the diet should be developed in conjunction with identifying and addressing the underlying cause.

Tip 3: Use nutritional drinks correctly

Consider nutritional drinks and protein bars

• When you have low albumin, nutritional drinks or protein bars can help supplement energy and protein if you find it difficult to meet your needs through regular meals. However, these should be supplemental solutions, not a replacement for the majority of your daily diet.

• If you are undergoing dialysis, some specialized nutritional products may be more suitable for your protein needs and mineral control. Use them according to the instructions of your doctor or nutritionist, rather than choosing products based solely on protein content.

Choose appropriate protein bars for dialysis patients

• Dialysis patients need to pay attention not only to protein but also to phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. A product with a lot of protein but also too many of these minerals may not be suitable.

• When reading food labels, prioritize protein bars that meet the reference levels specified by your nutritionist. Levels above 15 g protein, below 150 mg phosphorus, below 200 mg potassium, and below 200 mg sodium per serving have been used as selection criteria in guidelines for dialysis patients, but actual needs should be individualized.

• In particular, the phosphorus content on the label may not fully reflect the amount of phosphorus absorbed from additives. Therefore, kidney patients should also pay attention to the ingredient list and look for ingredients containing "phosphate" or "phosphoric".

Do not use protein bars to replace a large portion of meals

• If you're looking for what to eat for low albumin, view protein bars or nutritional drinks as a supportive tool when eating is difficult. Main meals should still provide various food groups to meet protein, energy, vitamin, mineral, and fiber needs.

• With the goal of increasing blood albumin, supplementing with protein-rich products is only meaningful when the body is truly lacking energy or protein. Low albumin can also stem from inflammation, liver disease, protein loss through the kidneys, malnutrition, or other medical conditions.

Check ingredients before purchasing

• Not all products labeled "high protein" are suitable for people with low albumin, especially if they have kidney disease. Check the amount of protein, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, sugar, and energy per serving.

• If you are undergoing dialysis, show the product you intend to use to your nutritionist first. They can compare the product with your protein needs and test results to make a safer choice.

• The goal of increasing albumin should be to build a diet that provides enough energy and protein and is appropriate for the cause of low albumin, rather than relying on protein bars or supplements.

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Tip 4: Choose supplements correctly

Consult an expert before using supplements

• When you have low albumin, not everyone needs to take additional vitamins, minerals, or nutritional supplements. Whether supplementation is needed depends on your diet, nutritional status, underlying medical conditions, absorption capacity, and test results.

• Instead of buying products advertised to help increase blood albumin, ask your doctor or nutritionist: "Given my current nutritional status, do I need any supplements?" This question helps identify the correct needs instead of supplementing based on intuition.

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Choose products based on actual needs

• If your diet does not provide enough energy or protein, your specialist may consider nutritional drinks, protein powder, or appropriate energy supplements.

• If tests show a deficiency of a specific vitamin or mineral, supplementation may be prescribed at an appropriate dosage. Do not use many types of products at once, as this can lead to excessive supplementation or interactions with medications.

• For people with kidney disease, liver disease, or those undergoing dialysis, using supplements should be done with extra caution. Some products may contain potassium, phosphorus, vitamins, or minerals that are not suitable for their condition.

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Do not view supplements as the only way to increase Albumin

• When looking for what to eat for low albumin, the most important thing is to first build a diet with sufficient energy and protein. Supplements only play a supportive role when the regular diet cannot meet the needs.

• Increasing albumin is also not as simple as taking an extra vitamin or protein powder. Low albumin can be related to inflammation, liver disease, protein loss through the kidneys, malnutrition, or many other conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to find the cause while improving nutrition.

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Monitor response after dietary changes

• After adjusting your diet or starting to use supplements, you should monitor your weight, eating ability, general health, and necessary tests as prescribed.

• If low albumin does not improve or continues to decrease despite adequate diet, do not self-increase the dose of supplements. This could be a sign that the underlying medical cause needs to be re-evaluated.

• The safest way to increase blood albumin is to personalize your nutrition plan according to your health condition, rather than looking for a specific food or supplement that can "quickly increase albumin."

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Tip 5: Be honest to improve Albumin

Share honestly with your nutritionist

• When you have low albumin, your nutritionist needs to know your exact eating habits and any difficulties you are experiencing. Be clear about how much you eat, whether you often skip meals, what foods you cannot eat, and why you find it difficult to get enough protein.

• Don't hesitate to share seemingly small issues, such as loss of appetite, early satiety, difficulty chewing or swallowing, nausea, changes in taste, difficulty buying food, or not having time to prepare meals. These can be barriers that prevent you from getting enough total energy and protein throughout the day.

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Clearly state why you are not eating enough

• If you are looking for what to eat for low albumin, the answer will vary depending on why your diet isn't meeting your needs. For example:

  • Eating little due to loss of appetite: may need to be divided into several small, energy- and protein-rich meals.

  • Early satiety: prioritize nutrient-dense foods in small portions.

  • Not eating meat: find suitable alternative protein sources.

  • Undergoing dialysis: protein selection must also consider potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.

  • Difficulty preparing food: simple, easy-to-store, and easy-to-use options can be developed.

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Let the specialist develop a suitable plan

• Nutritionists are not only concerned with "what you eat," but also need to know why you are not eating enough. Once the barriers are identified, they can adjust your diet to your actual capabilities instead of providing a diet that is difficult to maintain.

• For example, if you want to increase albumin but often skip meals due to early satiety, the solution might be to divide meals into smaller portions and add protein-rich snacks, rather than simply asking you to eat more during the three main meals.

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Do not self-adjust protein based solely on test results

• Low albumin does not always mean a lack of protein in the diet. Albumin is also affected by inflammation, liver disease, protein loss, and many other pathological factors.

• Therefore, the goal of increasing blood albumin should be based on an overall assessment of nutrition and health. The more accurate information you provide to your nutritionist, the more likely your eating plan will be suitable for your actual needs and safer.

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Tip 6: Plan your diet to increase Albumin

Work with an expert to create a meal plan

• When you have low albumin, a pre-planned meal plan helps you proactively meet your daily energy and protein needs. This is especially useful for people undergoing dialysis or with medical conditions that require dietary control.

• Work with your doctor or nutritionist to create a meal plan based on your weight, nutritional status, underlying medical conditions, eating preferences, and test results. The goal is not to eat a lot of protein, but to eat enough and according to your needs.

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Ensure a protein source in every meal

• A simple rule when creating a menu to support increasing albumin is to include a suitable protein source in each main meal. You can rotate between fish, lean meat, poultry, eggs, tofu, soybeans, or other protein sources.

• If you find it difficult to eat enough during three main meals, you can divide portions into smaller meals and add protein-rich snacks. This helps increase total protein intake throughout the day without making each meal too large.

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Create a menu suitable for kidney disease

• People undergoing dialysis may need higher protein intake, but at the same time must control certain substances like sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluids depending on their condition. Therefore, the menu for what to eat for low albumin should not be the same for everyone.

• People with chronic kidney disease who are not yet on dialysis may need to control protein intake. KDIGO 2024 recommends that adults with CKD stages G3–G5 maintain approximately 0.8 g protein/kg/day, while avoiding diets with excessive protein above 1.3 g/kg/day in individuals at risk of disease progression.

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Turn the plan into an easy-to-follow habit

• No need to start with an overly complex menu. You can plan for a few days in advance, specifying main dishes, protein sources, vegetables, starches, and snacks if needed.

• Having some suitable protein-rich foods readily available also helps limit skipping meals or eating hastily when busy.

• Monitor your weight, diet, and general health so that your specialist can adjust your menu when needed. This is a more practical way to aim for increasing blood albumin rather than focusing solely on one type of food.

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Find the cause if Albumin remains low

• Even with a complete diet, low albumin can persist if the cause lies in inflammation, liver disease, protein loss through the kidneys, or another underlying medical condition.

• Therefore, the nutrition plan should go hand in hand with treating the underlying cause. The ultimate goal is not just to raise the albumin level but also to ensure the body receives adequate nutrition and that underlying diseases are well-managed.

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Tip 7: Increase energy to support Albumin

Supplement with enough energy when needed

• When albumin is low, simply increasing protein may not be enough. If the diet does not provide enough energy, the body may use protein as fuel instead of reserving it for essential functions. Therefore, for people with energy deficiency or malnutrition, a nutritionist may advise increasing total daily calorie intake.

• Energy can be increased by adding an appropriate amount of healthy fats to dishes, such as vegetable oils, suitable margarine, or sauces. However, the amount of fat needs to be adjusted according to weight, underlying medical conditions, and nutritional goals.

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Increase energy without overusing sugar

• When needing to increase albumin, it should not be understood that you must eat a lot of sugar or sweets. Sugar can quickly increase energy but does not provide the protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber necessary for a balanced diet.

• Prioritize foods that provide both energy and nutritional value. If you need to increase calories but eat little, a nutritionist can guide you on how to make dishes more energy-dense without significantly increasing the volume of food.

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Dialysis patients need to control potassium and phosphorus

• If you are undergoing dialysis and have low albumin, do not try to increase energy by drinking a lot of milk or eating many dairy products. Some dairy products can contain significant amounts of potassium and phosphorus, while the need to control these two minerals depends on the individual.

• Instead, ask your nutritionist about types of fats and energy-rich foods that are suitable for your test results. For kidney patients, food choices need to balance protein, energy, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium.

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Do not use fat to replace protein

• When looking for what to eat for low albumin, the goal is to build a diet with sufficient energy and protein, not to increase fat as much as possible.

• An appropriate amount of oil can be added to vegetables, rice, or main dishes to increase energy without making the portion too large. However, the total fat intake still needs to be within levels appropriate for cardiovascular health and energy needs.

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Increasing Albumin requires addressing the cause

• Increasing blood albumin is not simply a result of eating too many calories. Low albumin can be related to inflammation, liver disease, protein loss through the kidneys, or other medical conditions.

• Therefore, if albumin remains low for an extended period, combine a diet with sufficient energy and protein with finding the underlying cause. A personalized menu from a nutritionist will be safer and more practical than simply increasing sugar, fat, or protein intake on your own.

Part 3: Tips to maintain stable blood albumin levels

Tip 1: Oral care to support Albumin

Regular dental check-ups and inflammation control

• When albumin is low, don't just focus on diet. Inflammation can be related to blood albumin levels, so controlling inflammation and infections is also an important part of overall health care.

• Gingivitis or periodontal disease can cause prolonged inflammation if left untreated. Therefore, people at risk of periodontal disease should have regular dental check-ups to detect early problems such as bleeding gums, swollen gums, toothache, or loose teeth.

Maintain daily oral hygiene

• To help control inflammation, brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or an appropriate interdental cleaning tool.

• If your gums are frequently swollen, bleeding, painful, or have persistent bad breath, you should not only focus on what to eat for low albumin but also need to check the cause at the dentist.

Dialysis patients need to pay special attention to oral health

• In people undergoing dialysis, inflammation and periodontal disease may require more attention. Some observational studies show that periodontal disease is associated with low albumin levels in dialysis patients, but this link does not mean that dental treatment will directly increase blood albumin.

• If you are on dialysis and have periodontitis or oral infections, simply changing your diet may not address the cause of low albumin. Inform your treating doctor and dentist for appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Do not consider low albumin a problem solely due to diet

• If you have consumed enough protein and energy but low albumin persists, other causes such as inflammation, liver disease, protein loss through the kidneys, or other medical conditions need to be considered.

• Therefore, the goal of increasing albumin should be approached holistically: adequate diet, control of underlying diseases, treatment of infections if any, and maintenance of oral health. This is a more practical approach than simply increasing protein intake.

Tip 2: Recognize signs of low albumin

Pay attention to signs that may be related to low albumin

• Low albumin may not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages and is often detected through blood tests. When albumin levels significantly decrease or are accompanied by other medical conditions, some symptoms may appear and require medical evaluation.

• Notable signs may include:

  • Persistent edema, especially in the feet, ankles, or lower legs.

  • Fatigue, weakness, reduced ability to perform daily activities.

  • Recurrent or prolonged infections, especially when the body has underlying diseases.

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, which may be related to liver or bile duct disease.

  • Shortness of breath, especially if it occurs with edema or rapid weight gain due to fluid retention.

Don't draw conclusions based on symptoms alone

• The above symptoms are not specific to low albumin. Edema can be related to heart, kidney, liver disease, or many other causes; fatigue can also result from anemia, infection, endocrine disorders, or other health problems.

• The way to determine low blood albumin is through a blood test as ordered by a doctor. The results need to be evaluated along with other tests and symptoms to find the cause.

Kidney patients need closer monitoring

• If you have kidney disease, especially if you are on dialysis, inform your medical team if you experience new or rapidly increasing edema, unusual fatigue, persistent infections, or significant changes in your health.

• Do not self-adjust protein intake or use supplements just because you suspect increased blood albumin. Your diet needs to be appropriate for your kidney function and other indicators such as potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and nutritional status.

When to see a doctor early

• If shortness of breath appears suddenly or is severe, accompanied by chest pain, blue lips, confusion, or rapid deterioration of health, seek emergency medical care instead of waiting to adjust your diet.

• If low albumin has been confirmed but persists, discuss it with your doctor to find the cause, such as malnutrition, inflammation, liver disease, or protein loss through the kidneys. Addressing the cause is the foundation for sustainable albumin increase.

Tip 3: Don't miss dialysis appointments

Strictly adhere to the dialysis schedule

• If you are on dialysis, try to undergo treatment on schedule and for the full duration as planned by the medical team. Arbitrarily skipping or shortening dialysis sessions can reduce the effectiveness of controlling waste products, fluids, and metabolic disorders related to kidney disease.

• For people with low albumin, adhering to the dialysis schedule is part of the overall care plan. Do not just focus on what to eat for low albumin or try to increase blood albumin through food while neglecting to control the underlying kidney disease.

Do not arbitrarily skip sessions even if you feel well

• Chronic kidney disease and the need for dialysis should not be assessed solely based on how you feel on a given day. If there is a reason you cannot attend a dialysis session, contact the dialysis center as soon as possible to reschedule.

• If you frequently experience difficulties with time, transportation, or other issues that cause you to miss appointments, discuss them directly with the treatment team to find suitable solutions.

Combine dialysis with an appropriate diet

• Dialysis patients often need to pay special attention to protein, energy, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake. Specific needs vary depending on the dialysis method, weight, urine output, lab results, and nutritional status.

• Therefore, if you are looking for ways to increase albumin, create a diet with a renal dietitian instead of increasing protein on your own. An appropriate diet needs to meet nutritional needs while controlling factors that can add burden to the body.

Monitor albumin along with other indicators

• Low albumin can be related to malnutrition but can also be affected by inflammation, infection, liver disease, protein loss, or other medical conditions. Therefore, the albumin level should not be considered in isolation.

• If albumin continues to decrease despite adherence to dialysis and adequate nutrition, inform your doctor. When the cause is identified and treated, the possibility of increasing blood albumin will be more realistic than just changing the menu.

Tip 4: Eat at the right time to support Albumin

Take advantage of when you have the best appetite

• When albumin is low and you often have a poor appetite, don't force yourself to eat a lot at once. Identify the time of day when you feel hungriest and have the best appetite, then prioritize a complete meal at that time.

• If morning is when you eat best, maintain a breakfast with enough protein, carbohydrates, and energy every day. The remaining meals can be divided into manageable portions.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals if you get full quickly or have a poor appetite

• Instead of skipping meals because you don't want to eat, try eating several small meals throughout the day. This can help people with poor appetites increase their total energy and protein intake without having to eat overly large portions.

• You can prepare small but nutritious dishes such as eggs, fish, lean meat, tofu, or appropriate nutritional products. When looking for what to eat for low albumin, prioritize foods that provide both protein and sufficient energy.

Don't wait until you're too hungry to eat

• While it's good to take advantage of times when you feel like eating, people with poor appetites still need to maintain a relatively regular eating schedule. Waiting until you're too hungry to eat can make it difficult to meet your nutritional needs throughout the day.

• You can set times for main meals and snacks, especially if you often forget to eat or your hunger signals are unclear. A simple plan helps maintain a more stable food intake.

Monitor causes of poor appetite

• If low albumin is accompanied by persistent loss of appetite, weight loss, early satiety, nausea, or difficulty eating, inform your doctor or nutritionist. These symptoms can prevent the body from getting enough energy and protein.

• In people on dialysis or with chronic diseases, loss of appetite can be related to the underlying disease or treatment process. In that case, the goal of increasing blood albumin should not just rely on trying to eat more, but on finding the cause and adjusting nutrition appropriately.

Prioritize meal quality

• A complete meal should include a source of high-quality protein combined with carbohydrates, vegetables, and appropriate fats. If you can only eat a little, prioritize nutrient-dense foods in small portions.

• Increasing albumin is not about eating a lot in one day, but about maintaining a suitable and stable nutritional regimen, while treating the cause of albumin reduction when accompanied by a medical condition.

Tip 5: Be persistent to support albumin increase

Persist with the nutrition plan

• Increasing albumin is not a process that happens in just a few days. Albumin levels can change based on nutritional status, inflammation, liver disease, kidney function, and many other factors, so do not expect one type of food to quickly increase albumin.

• Instead of constantly changing your menu, stick to the eating plan agreed upon with your nutritionist. It is important to ensure adequate energy and protein over a long period, and to adhere to the treatment plan for underlying diseases.

Monitor changes instead of looking at a single lab test

• If albumin is low, your doctor may recheck albumin after an appropriate period to assess the trend. Do not conclude that the diet is "ineffective" just because the index has not increased immediately.

• Albumin can also decrease due to inflammation or acute illness, so a low result does not necessarily reflect solely the amount of protein you consume. Therefore, albumin needs to be evaluated along with overall health status.

Do not over-increase protein on your own

• When looking for what to eat for low albumin, many people tend to eat a lot of meat, eggs, or drink protein powder. This approach is not always appropriate and can be detrimental to people with kidney disease or other conditions that require protein control.

• The goal of increasing blood albumin is to meet the correct nutritional needs, not to raise protein levels as high as possible. People on dialysis, with chronic kidney disease, or liver disease should have a personalized diet.

Be persistent but still need to re-evaluate

• If you have maintained the diet as instructed but low albumin persists or continues to decrease, discuss it with your doctor. Further evaluation of inflammation, liver function, protein loss through the kidneys, nutritional status, or other causes may be needed.

• Consider increasing albumin as a foundational process: eating enough, treating the underlying disease correctly, and regular monitoring will be more important than finding a "quick fix" in a few days.

References

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3. National Kidney Foundation. Nutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease. New York: National Kidney Foundation; 2020.
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11. American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. GLIM Criteria for the Diagnosis of Malnutrition: Guidance and Clinical Resources. Silver Spring, MD: ASPEN.

Content editor: Leigh Kennedy Ly.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Amelia Wilson.