albumin

The first thing we are going to do in order to discover the meaning of the term albumin is to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can determine that it is a word that comes from Latin, more exactly from “albumen, albuminis”, which can be translated as “egg white”.

It is called albumin to a protein: that is, to a molecule It is made up of amino acids that form different linear chains. Albumin refers to a class of protein found in the plasma of the blood, milk, egg white and the seeds of certain plants, among other places.

Blood plasma, in the human being, is composed of albumin and globulins. Albumin is necessary to maintain oncotic pressure, a particular form of osmotic pressure. Oncotic pressure allows fluids in the body to be distributed properly. Therefore, albumin is necessary for good organ function.

The distribution of certain hormones, fatty acids and drugs, the control of pH and the regulation of extracellular fluids are other functions that albumin performs in the organism. It should be noted that there are various disorders that can affect the presence of albumin in blood plasma (in this case, we can specifically talk about serum albumin or serum albumin): malnutrition, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome and others.

In the same way, we cannot forget about the existence of what is known as low albumin, also called hypoalbuminemia. It is a deficiency of this protein in the blood and usually occurs, especially in older people.

Kidney failure, anemia, liver diseases of different types, cancer or stomach problems are some of the situations that can lead to this situation that can be present through symptoms such as weakness and fatigue.

No less important is knowing that you can also talk about what is known as albumin in urine. That protein can pass into the urine, yes, and when it does it is because the person in question is sick. Specifically, when this occurs it is because the kidneys do not work properly.

In order to detect if someone has albumin in the urine, you can choose to take the relevant sample of that waste substance. The results of the analysis that they do to this will determine that the amount of albumin is normal if the concentration is less than 30 and that it is abnormal when it exceeds the figure of 30.

However, this information can also be known through the relevant blood test.

The albumin found in milk is called lactalbumin. It has a high level of sulfur amino acids and is in a colloidal state when in a dispersed phase.

The albumin that is in the white of the eggs, finally, receives the Name from ovalbumin. This albumin represents between the 60% and the 65% of the total protein of the egg. Albumin is estimated to be used as a protein reservoir in poultry rearing.