Which lab value may indicate a state of malnutrition?

Which lab value may indicate a state of malnutrition?

• A. Low albumin
• B. High albumin
• C. Elevated potassium
• D. Elevated sodium

Answer: (A)

Low albumin signals malnutrition because albumin is a protein made by the liver that reflects the body’s protein stores, particularly visceral protein. When intake of protein or overall energy is inadequate, albumin synthesis drops and levels fall, so a low value can indicate protein-energy malnutrition, especially in chronic cases. Albumin changes slowly due to its long half-life, so it tends to reflect longer-term nutritional status rather than short-term fluctuations. The other options don’t directly measure nutritional status—electrolytes like potassium and sodium mainly reflect fluid balance, kidney function, or hormonal effects, not protein stores. Keep in mind that low albumin can also occur with inflammation, infection, or liver disease, so it’s one clue among others used to assess nutrition.

Low albumin signals malnutrition because albumin is a protein made by the liver that reflects the body’s protein stores, particularly visceral protein. When intake of protein or overall energy is inadequate, albumin synthesis drops and levels fall, so a low value can indicate protein-energy malnutrition, especially in chronic cases. Albumin changes slowly due to its long half-life, so it tends to reflect longer-term nutritional status rather than short-term fluctuations. The other options don’t directly measure nutritional status—electrolytes like potassium and sodium mainly reflect fluid balance, kidney function, or hormonal effects, not protein stores. Keep in mind that low albumin can also occur with inflammation, infection, or liver disease, so it’s one clue among others used to assess nutrition.