Which serum marker and value indicates potential malnutrition related to wound healing?

Which serum marker and value indicates potential malnutrition related to wound healing?

• A. Serum Albumin; values >4.5 g/dL indicate malnutrition
• B. Serum Albumin; values <3.5 g/dL indicate malnutrition and impaired healing
• C. Prealbumin; values <15 mg/L indicate malnutrition
• D. Total Protein; values <6 g/dL indicate malnutrition

Answer: (B)

Protein status directly affects wound healing because building new tissue and fighting infection require adequate amino acids. Serum albumin is produced by the liver and reflects longer-term protein stores in the body. When albumin drops below 3.5 g/dL, it signals depleted protein reserves and is associated with poorer wound healing outcomes, slower tissue repair, and higher infection risk. Keep in mind that inflammation and liver function can influence albumin levels, so consider the whole clinical picture, but this threshold is a well-established red flag for nutritional risk related to healing. Values higher than normal do not indicate malnutrition, and while other markers like prealbumin or total protein can provide useful information, the below-3.5 g/dL albumin threshold is the most widely recognized indicator of malnutrition impacting wound healing in many clinical assessments.