What It Measures
This test measures trace amounts of the protein albumin that have leaked into the urine through the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli). Healthy kidneys retain albumin in the blood; when the glomerular filtration barrier is damaged — often from high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or systemic inflammation — small amounts of albumin spill into the urine. It is typically reported as a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in mg/g.
Microalbumin is a test that detects small amounts of albumin protein in the urine, which is an early marker of kidney damage. Even slightly elevated levels (microalbuminuria) indicate endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk, making it a critical biomarker for metabolic and kidney health surveillance.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated microalbumin (microalbuminuria: 30-300 mg/g UACR; macroalbuminuria: >300 mg/g) indicates early kidney damage, most commonly from diabetic nephropathy or hypertensive nephropathy. It is also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, reflecting widespread endothelial dysfunction and vascular damage. Persistently elevated levels suggest progressive kidney disease and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Other causes include lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, preeclampsia, and chronic inflammation.
Possible Symptoms
Early microalbuminuria is typically asymptomatic (silent marker). As kidney damage progresses: foamy or bubbly urine, ankle/leg swelling (edema), fatigue, decreased urine output, elevated blood pressure, weight gain from fluid retention. Cardiovascular symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath.
What Low Means
Low or undetectable microalbumin in urine is normal and desirable, indicating healthy kidney filtration and intact glomerular barrier function. There is no clinical concern associated with low values. A result below 30 mg/g UACR is considered normal.
Possible Symptoms
No symptoms associated with low/normal microalbumin — this is the desired state indicating healthy kidney function.
Risk Factors
Type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, preeclampsia, lupus/autoimmune disease, smoking, family history of kidney disease, chronic NSAID use, high-sodium diet
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
- •Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- •Curcumin/Turmeric
- •Alpha-lipoic acid
- •Vitamin D3
- •Magnesium
- •Berberine (for metabolic support)
- •N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Maintain blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg — hypertension is the #1 modifiable risk factor for microalbuminuria
- •Control blood glucose — keep HbA1c below 5.7% (or below 6.5% if diabetic)
- •Reduce sodium intake to <2,000 mg/day to lower kidney filtration pressure
- •Exercise regularly (150+ min/week moderate aerobic activity) to improve insulin sensitivity and vascular health
- •Maintain a healthy weight — even modest weight loss (5-10%) reduces microalbuminuria
- •Limit NSAID use (ibuprofen, naproxen) which can damage kidneys
- •Stop smoking — smoking directly damages kidney vasculature and accelerates albuminuria
- •Stay well-hydrated but avoid excessive protein intake (>1.6 g/kg/day) if kidney function is compromised
- •Consider an ACE inhibitor or ARB with your doctor — these medications specifically reduce microalbuminuria
- •Adopt a Mediterranean or DASH-style diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and moderate protein
Ask AI
Ask questions about your Microalbumin results, trends, and what you can do to optimize.
Only one data point — trend chart will appear after multiple tests.
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-25 | 33.2 mg/dL | — |