It is a type of protein, its main function is to transport vital substances. Albumin carries hormones through the bloodstream (from the gland secreted them to the target organs). They are bound to cholesterol, bilirubin, involved in their metabolism. They transport medicines, vitamins, cations (calcium, magnesium).

Albumin creates 80% oncotic blood pressure, that is, they create conditions when liquid part of the blood does not seep through the walls of blood vessels. When this pressure is decreased (decrease for albumin), "hungry" edema occurs - large volume of fluid comes out of the veins to the interstitial space.

Albumin is a reserve for amino acids that make up all cells in the body.

Albumin can be decreased in the following conditions:

• Prolonged fasting (proteins do not come with food, but the available ones are spent for the needs of the whole organism)
• In the event of excessive loss (burns, rental disease, diabetes)
• Increased consumption (cancer, since the cancer "absorbs" protein in large quantities)
• When protein production in the body is impaired (hepatic disease)
• Protein absorption is impaired (intestinal inflammation)
• Newborns with immature liver cells (primary hypoalbuminemia)

High concentration of albumin is extremely rare and is it has relative nature - extensive losses of liquid part of plasma (cholera, burns), blood thickens.  High concentration of albumin can be found in laboratory.