Albumin is a major protein formed by the liver, and chronic liver disease causes a decrease in the amount of albumin produced. Therefore, in more advanced liver disease, the level of the serum albumin is usually reduced (less than 3.5 mg/dL).

Albumin and total protein levels in the blood reflect the protein-building function of the liver. Found throughout the body, proteins perform many functions: hold cells together, carry information from place to place, control chemical reactions, fight infections, transport oxygen - and much more. Albumin is a protein made by the liver found in large amounts in the blood. In fact, it's similar to the protein in egg whites. In some types of liver disease, the ability of the organ to make proteins is affected. In these cases the blood levels of total protein and albumin are low. Low total protein and albumin levels are also seen in kids who are malnourished. Because most proteins, including albumin, have fairly long half lives, the liver's incapacity to produce proteins must last weeks to months to be reflected in lowered blood levels of total protein or albumin