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Total protein measures two types of proteins found in the blood; albumin and globulin. They are important biomarkers for liver, kidney, and immune health.
Written by Leanne Edermaniger
July 30, 2024
Reviewed by:
Dr Thom PhillipsTotal protein measures the total amount of protein in the blood[1]. There are two main types of protein present in blood, albumin and globulin. A total protein test measures the total of these two proteins combined.
Albumin makes up more than 50% of total protein and is important for transporting hormones, bilirubin, and vitamins. It also plays a critical role in fat metabolism by binding to fatty acids and keeping them in a soluble form in the blood[2].
Globulins, on the other hand, are a protein group that is important for liver and immune health. There are three types of globulins; alpha, beta and gamma. Alpha and beta globulins transport substances around the body, while gamma globulins are important for fighting infections.
The healthy range for total protein is:
Data collected from Forth customers shows that the average total protein levels in each sex and age group are within the normal range.
To be healthy, most adults need around 0.75g of protein per kilo of body weight every day. On average, that’s approximately 45 g for a woman and 55 g for a man[3]. However, this can vary depending on your weight or training program.
For example, if you want to build muscle, you’ll likely need to increase your protein intake. Anyone looking to build their muscle mass and will be using their muscles more than the average person will need to consume 1.4 to 2g/kg of body weight each day. It’s also recommended that endurance athletes consume 1.2 to 2g/kg of body weight daily[4].
Protein is an important part of our diet, it is one of three macronutrients, nutrients the body requires in large amounts for energy, alongside carbohydrates and fats. Protein is an important building block of muscles, bones, skin, and blood, and is vital for nearly all of the physiological processes taking place in the body. Plus, when carbohydrates or fats are in short supply or unable to be metabolised, protein can serve as an energy source.
A total protein blood test is a good biomarker for liver and kidney health and malnutrition. It can tell you if your body is not digesting or absorbing protein properly or if you are dehydrated.
Therefore, testing your total protein levels could show that you need to change your diet or make healthier lifestyle choices to help support your kidney or liver health.
Your GP can conduct a total protein test but is usually requested alongside other blood tests, like a liver function test.
You can also test your total protein level as part of the following at-home test kits from Forth:
You shouldn’t worry about a higher-than-normal blood protein level because it isn’t always a sign of serious illness. If you have an abnormally high level, you should discuss your results with your doctor who can run additional tests to identify any underlying conditions.
There are several possible causes of high protein levels. They are:
You’re unlikely to experience any symptoms directly from high blood protein levels, but you may experience symptoms associated with the underlying cause.
If the underlying cause is dehydration, you may experience:
If your total protein levels are raised because of an infection or dehydration, your levels should return to normal once it has cleared.
There are certain things you can do to help keep your total protein levels within a normal range, such as:
Total protein levels can be decreased for many reasons and if you are worried about your total protein level, you should discuss your results with a doctor. Low total protein levels can indicate underlying health conditions and the symptoms and treatments will vary depending on the cause.
Some of the causes of low total protein are:
Some of the symptoms associated with low total protein are:
If you’re concerned your total protein levels are low or want to increase them, there are things you can do to help keep them within a healthy range, including:
Based in the UK, Leanne specialises in writing about health, medicine, nutrition, and fitness.
She has over 5 years of experience in writing about health and lifestyle and has a BSc (hons) Biomedical Science and an MSc Science, Communication and Society.
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Alshuwaier, G. et al. (2022) ‘Different training sessions impact on serum protein profile of Saudi Professional Soccer Players’, Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 25(8), p. 1287. doi:10.4103/njcp.njcp_72_22.
Thom works in NHS general practice and has a decade of experience working in both male and female elite sport. He has a background in exercise physiology and has published research into fatigue biomarkers.
Dr Thom Phillips
Head of Clinical Services
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