Serum albumin level in an urban Nigerian population

Abstract

1. Serum albumin levels have been estimated in healthy adult Nigerians. The average level of albumin was 41.4 g/l and there was no sex difference, but the findings differed from that of a previous survey in Ibadan. The importance of serum albumin measurement in relation to the socio-economic and dietary habits of the population has been reviewed.2. It is concluded that socio-economic, dietary and cultural changes associated with Western education could be responsible for the increased level of serum albumin in this healthy population.3. It is suggested that similar surveys should be done by locally-practising chemical pathologists.