Explanation
This calculation takes into account the presence of large proteins in the blood that may alter reported levels of total calcium. (source)
Low
Low corrected calcium levels can stem from physiological factors affecting the parathyroid glands and kidneys, structures that play key roles in regulating calcium levels in the body. Nutritionally, insufficient intake of calcium-rich foods and vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption, can contribute to lower corrected calcium levels. (source, source)
Optimization
Prioritize proper hydration: High albumin levels are a sign of dehydration. (source, source) Dehydration leads to a lower blood plasma volume, which causes higher albumin levels. (source) Adequate fluid intake may help promote optimal hydration status and albumin levels.Recommendation: Drink at least 0.5 fl oz of water per pound body weight per day.
Incorporate salt: Consumption of electrolytes, particularly salt, has been shown to aid in hydration. (source) Balancing fluid levels helps optimize albumin levels. (source)Recommendation: Incorporate salty foods or add a pinch of salt to meals.
Perform breathwork and/or meditation: High stress levels are associated with elevated albumin levels. (source) Breathwork has been shown to reduce markers of stress. (source) Decreasing stress through activities like breathwork and meditation can help normalize albumin concentrations. Recommendation: Sit down and calmly focus on your breath while box breathing for up to five minutes.
Supplement with electrolytes: Supplementation with electrolytes, particularly salt, has been shown to aid in hydration. (source) Supporting optimal fluid levels can help optimize albumin levels. Recommendation: Supplement with a variety of electrolytes with at least 500 mg of sodium.
Supplement with lemon balm: High stress levels are associated with elevated albumin levels. (source) Supplementing with lemon balm can help reduce stress levels. (source, source) Decreasing stress throughout the day helps to normalize albumin concentrations. Recommendation: Supplement with at least 300mg of lemon balm.
Prioritize calcium-rich foods: Consumption of calcium has been shown to raise serum concentrations. (source) Recommendation: Consume at least two servings of calcium-rich foods daily.
Supplement with calcium: Supplementation with calcium has been shown to raise serum calcium concentrations. (source) Recommendation: Supplement with at least 500mg of calcium daily.
High
Elevated corrected calcium levels can stem from physiological factors involving the parathyroid glands and kidneys, structures that play key roles in regulating calcium levels in the body. Nutritionally, excessive intake of calcium-rich foods or supplements, along with vitamin D, can contribute to higher corrected calcium levels. (source, source)
Optimization
Prioritize high-quality protein: Albumin levels have been shown to increase after eating protein, both in mixed meals and protein-only meals, in both younger and older populations. (source, source) Dietary intake of quality protein increases albumin synthesis following a meal, as the essential amino acids from the ingested protein stimulate the production of albumin. (source) Recommendation: Eat 0.8 to 1.0 g of protein per pound of body weight per day.
One serving examples: Eggs (3 large eggs), Chicken Breast (3.5 oz), Beef (lean cuts) (3.5 oz), Salmon (3 oz), Pork (lean cuts) (3.5 oz), Tofu (3.5 oz)
Avoid alcohol: Increased alcohol consumption has been associated with decreased levels of albumin. (source) Chronic alcohol consumption increases inflammation by increasing inflammatory mediators, like TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6, which can lead to a reduction in albumin levels. (source) Recommendation: Try to limit consumption to one or two drinks daily, with the goal of less than three per week.
Supplement with a quality protein source: Intake of complete protein sources, or those that contain all of the essential amino acids, has been shown to play a crucial role in supporting optimal albumin levels. The breakdown of protein releases essential amino acids, which serve as the building blocks for albumin. (source) Recommendation: Supplement with 20 to 40 g of quality protein with a goal of consuming 0.8 to 1.2 g of protein per pound of body weight per day.
Supplement with fish oil: Fish oil supplementation has been shown to help support healthy albumin levels. (source, source) Fish oil supplements contain EPA and DHA, which are omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been associated with decreased albumin production. (source) Recommendation: Supplement with at least 3 grams of fish oil daily.
Limit calcium-rich foods: Overconsumption of calcium can lead to increased calcium levels in the blood. (source) Recommendation: Monitor and limit excess consumption of calcium-rich foods, like milk, seeds, and lentils.
Avoid calcium: Over-supplementation of calcium can lead to increased calcium levels in the blood. (source) Recommendation: Monitor calcium intake and concentrations in supplements.
Supplement with vitamin C: Supplementation with vitamin C has been shown to decrease calcium levels. (source) Vitamin C supplementation aids in a decrease in parathyroid hormone which helps to reduce calcium. (source)Recommendation: Supplement with at least 100 mg of vitamin C daily.
Avoid Vitamin D: Over-sAvoid vitamin D: Over-supplementation of vitamin D can lead to increased calcium levels in the blood. (source) Vitamin D increases intestinal absorption of calcium, increasing levels in the blood. (source) Recommendation: Monitor excess vitamin D intake and supplement concentrations.upplementation of vitamin D can lead to increased calcium levels in the blood. (source) Recommendation: Monitor excess vitamin D intake and supplement concentrations.
Associated Biomarkers
