Which lab value is commonly used to assess nutritional status?

Serum albumin is a key lab value utilized to assess nutritional status primarily because it provides insight into a person’s protein levels and nutritional care, reflecting the body’s overall protein reserves. Serum albumin is synthesized in the liver, and its levels can indicate how well the body is managing protein intake and its nutritional needs.

A normal serum albumin level signifies adequate protein consumption and absorption, while low levels can indicate malnutrition, liver dysfunction, or inflammation. It is particularly helpful in evaluating patients with chronic illnesses, post-surgical patients, or those undergoing treatment for various conditions.

Understanding that serum albumin can have a longer half-life (about 20 days) helps clinicians gauge historical dietary intake, making it a reliable marker over time for nutritional assessment. Other lab values mentioned, while important in their contexts, do not specifically assess nutritional status to the same extent as serum albumin.