Total Protein · low result
What does a low Total Protein mean?
Short answer
Low total protein reflects low albumin, low globulins, or both: inflammation, liver disease, kidney protein loss, malnutrition or malabsorption, and overhydration lower albumin; immune deficiencies lower globulins. Pregnancy lowers it mildly. The albumin value points to the cause; a low total protein with a normal albumin suggests low antibodies.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
What is the normal range for Total Protein?
- age 18+: 6.30 – 8.30 g/dL
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Total Protein biomarker page.
What are the common causes of low Total Protein?
- Liver disease (cirrhosis)
- Nephrotic syndrome — protein lost in urine
- Malnutrition, malabsorption, protein-losing gut conditions
- Inflammation and acute illness
- Immunoglobulin deficiency
- Overhydration, pregnancy
What symptoms go with low Total Protein?
- Swelling of the legs or abdomen
- Fatigue, frequent infections if antibodies are low
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Albumin, liver panel, urine protein
- CRP; immunoglobulins if albumin is normal
- Nutritional assessment
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) ($26.99).
How do you recheck Total Protein?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Wellness Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $89.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| Kidney Health Panel | Panel · 4 tests | $64.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
| Gut Health Panel | Panel · 5 tests | $129.99 | No | 3–7 business days |
| Comprehensive Metabolic Panel | Test · 14 biomarkers | $22.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
Low total protein but normal albumin — what does it mean?
The shortfall is in globulins — antibody proteins — so a clinician usually checks immunoglobulin levels, especially if you get frequent infections.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.