Protein intake and serum albumin levels in the elderly

Protein intakes, energy intakes and serum albumin levels were measured in a long-stay geriatric unit. There was a significant positive correlation between albumin levels and protein intake in women, but not in men. A positive correlation was found between albumin levels and protein to calorie ratios in both men and women. This suggests that the protein intakes of long-stay geriatric patients may be suboptimal.