:IS ALBUMIN THE LIFE FACTOR?
In the largest, fully computerized studies ever conducted in the history of medicine (1-10), all-cause mortality and morbidity were uniquely predicted by the serum albumin concentration in all populations, with and without disease. Albumin (al-bu-min) is the most abundant, versatile, complex and remarkable protein found in the serum and tissue fluids. There are approximately 500 different proteins in the serum, 60% of the total is albumin. The balance of the serum proteins are grouped together and called Globulins. The mean level of albumin in the USA and most other developed countries is ~42g/L (in your blood test it will show up as 4.2g/dL, simply move the decimal point). The mean level of globulins ~30g/L. The average level of total proteins ~72g/L.
In all these studies (1-10) the higher the albumin, the lower the mortality and morbidity. The results were truly dramatic, >20 times less mortality from all causes when albumin was ~50g/L compared with 35g/L. A generous concentration of albumin in the serum has been known for almost 100 years as the best indicator of sound health (11). In fact, in a major Japanese study (12), the concentration of albumin emerged as the “Quality of Life”. Now we understand why nature surround all eggs, seeds, fetuses, cells and the brain with a generous supply of albumin. Cells grow profoundly longer and stronger in the presence of high levels of purified albumin and none converted to cancer lines (13).
Understanding Albumin
Only human albumin is suitable and safe for infusion. It is vital to understand that infusion of albumin to save lives, for example during war, is further proof that is the “Life Factor”, however, infusion of albumin to raise the level, is futile, because the liver, sensing the osmotic change resulting from exogenous albumin, stops manufacturing native albumin. This finally causes the level to rapidly fall below commencement. Albumin is also extremely expensive and has to be heated, treated and prepared for injection, thus losing most of its “Life Factor” properties. Thus, the only source of this remarkable protein is your liver., and through natural means.
Albumin & Nutrition
Human serum albumin (HSA) contains approx. 585 amino acids. The balance of amino acids in the molecule of albumin is perfect for human nutrition. It contains all the essential amino acids plus all those essential for growth and intellectual performance. Albumin constitutes at least 5% of milk during early stage of lactation in all mammals. Amazingly, 10% of the albumin (that your liver manufactures), leaks through the gastrointestinal tract and mixes with the food to ensure that the diet is balanced. This remarkable role gives an insight into the clever design of nature. Another role in nutrition is that cells use albumin as a packet of first class, highly balanced, amino acids to maintain protein synthesis. The wasting in aging, called Sarcopenia is clearly associated with falling levels of albumin (14). The related wasting termed Cachexia in AIDS, cancer and disease is also associated with falling albumin levels. Now we understand why this wasting cannot be reversed by any diet, supplements or parenteral nutrition. Degraded/recycled albumin contributes its substance to the body nitrogen supply at 15g/day, which plays a dominant role in controlling the entire protein synthesis.
Physical Development & Albumin
Albumin levels are vital in optimal physical development. Nobody can have a really good physique in the presence of low albumin (<45g/L) regardless of the diet or exercise. At this stage it is important to fully comprehend that the hundreds of attempts to achieve high serum albumin levels via special diets, vitamins, minerals, herbs, supplements, parenteral nutrition, infusion and exercise have continually failed (in many cases there is a negative effect). These approaches have been rightly called the “Ultimate in Metabolic Misunderstanding”. I will explain how we are the first to achieve super albumin profiles (59g/L, A/G ratio 4.13) at the end of this article.
Multitude of Roles
Albumin is perhaps the only protein that has more than 1 role.
Antioxidant
Albumin is by far the most abundant, important and powerful antioxidant. It is also being continually replaced by the liver at the rate of millions of molecules per minute. Albumin has a half-life of ~20 days, which means that most of the albumin, is replaced each month. Dr. Charles Thomas from Pantox Laboratories, who specializes in measuring antioxidants, calls albumin, “The 800lb Gorilla of the antioxidants”. It overwhelms all other antioxidants and has to be removed during attempts to measure antioxidant potential. My research indicates its ability to collect and donate electrons is a major reason why it is the “Life Factor”. Albumin also sequesters metals like copper, zinc, iron and mercury, preventing these metals from acting as catalysts. Albumin also aids in the transportation, solubility and neutralizing of uric acid. The combination of albumin and uric acid is another powerful buffer against an array of free radical production.
Heart disease
Albumin can completely protect against low-density lipoprotein alteration and oxidation, thereby preventing Atherosclerosis (15). Albumin plays a key role in maintaining the correct blood viscosity via its unique solubility, which allows a large variety and concentration of nutrients and wastes to remain in solution. Its streamline shape (like a fish) and electric charge ensure the blood is the correct viscosity, to match the resonant beat of the heart muscle. This probably explains why albumin is a slightly different aspect ratio in each species. Further, antibodies are at least 2 times more viscous in solution, and fibrinogen 12 times more viscous at the same level of albumin (16). This means the higher the albumin, the lower the globulins, the lower the risk factor from high blood pressure and heart disease. This was reinforced in the British Heart Study (17).
The high negative charge of albumin ensures the red blood cells remain the correct distance apart and do not block the tiny capillaries. This factor is referred to as Zeta Potential.
Super Transporter
Another astonishing role is that of a “Serum cargo vessel”, willing to take on a variety of cargoes that would not normally be soluble. Excess of nutrients, wastes, hormones would cause damage to blood vessels and tissues if too much were free. Try dissolving zinc, magnesium, iron, fats, vitamins and wastes in serum without albumin. It would become one gooey sticky mess. Albumin also transports calcium, creating a long-term reservoir and ensuring calcium homeostasis. It is the shipping vessel for fatty acids and thereby controls cholesterol and HDL / LDL levels and thus, the entire fat metabolism. This is very clearly demonstrated in those with very low albumin resulting in very high cholesterol, which returns to normal when albumin levels are corrected. It transports and neutralizes bile acids, powerful (potentially dangerous) hormones such as, cortisol, progesterone, testosterone and aldosterone.
One of its major roles is to transport and neutralize bilirubin, the waste products from broken down red blood cells. It also transports hematin. Albumin is the major transporter for a range of nutrients such as, Tryptophan, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, ascorbate, zinc, copper, magnesium and chloride.
In Summary; albumin constitutes a “Buffer” transport system that protects against wild fluctuations in the concentration of nutrients, hormones and wastes.
Protection from Drug side effects
Albumin’s astonishing role in protecting the body against poisonous substances is demonstrated by its binding of salicylate, sulfisoxazole, warfarin, phenylbutazone, digitoxin, indomethacin, tolbutamide, furosemide, phenytoin, chlorpropamide, chlorthiazide, oxacillin, benzylpenicillin, acetotrizoate, phenol, bromcresole green and blue, iophenoxate, sulfobromophthalein, methyl orange and red, Evan’s blue, diazepam, ibuprofen, naproxen, octanoate, clofibrate, chlorpromazine imipramine, and quinidine. In fact, the great albumin scientist T. Peters stated, “Albumin can bind and neutralize the Pharmacopea”. In the presence of low albumin, unbound drugs can cause major side effects. This is commonly seen in the elderly. A remarkable example of albumin’s ability to neutralize is the possum, its albumin neutralizes snake venom. Remember that germs are the most potent producers of venoms, albumin protects against many of these.
Electrolyte & pH balance
A major role of albumin is transporting the powerful hormone Aldosterone which controls the sodium-potassium-balance. Albumin also transports and “Buffers” excess cortisol, the stress hormone that in free-excess can cause severe side effects and accelerated aging. Albumin plays a major role in achieving the benefits and potential of growth hormone. Albumin also is essential in buffering the precise pH of the blood and tissue fluids. Albumin levels are the single-most important factor in maintaining homeostasis. Albumin is also a major transporter of thyroid hormones, protecting against thyroid storm, maintaining smooth overall metabolic rate and homeostasis.
Osmotic Pressure
Albumin’s shape, electric charge, abundance and molecular weight are the major factors that control the osmotic pressure, maintaining equilibrium between blood, connective tissue and cells. In the presence of low albumin (hypoalbuminemia), too much water leaks from the blood and collects around cells and waste products cannot be removed (Edema). Albumin is also the major protein of the lymphatic system. It is nature’s ultimate purifier, continually removing poisonous waste products from cells, through the lymphatic system to various parts of the body for degradation and elimination. Albumin is used in industry to refine sugar, wine and photography to remove impurities.
Teeth & Mercury
Amazingly albumin is the major enamelin protein (18), thus it is vital to have high levels during childhood for strong and healthy teeth throughout life. Albumin is found in saliva and is the most powerful substance known to bind and neutralize mercury. Albumin is also found in sweat, tears and sexual fluids.
Intelligence & Senile Dementia
Albumin levels rise in the ascending order of central nervous system development. It constitutes 80% of the total proteins in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Only 1 in 230 molecules of albumin are specially selected to enter the CSF, which is changed 4 to 5 times per 24 hours. The level of albumin in the CSF is proportional to the level of albumin in the serum. The level of albumin is low in all senile dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease. Low albumin also leads to drug induced dementia. The AIDS-dementia and alcoholic dementia are both deeply associated with low serum albumin levels. Astonishingly, albumin acts as an amyloid-degrading enzyme, vital in the prevention of amyloid plaques in the brain. The link between the wasting, so deeply associated with Alzheimer’s disease, is again the level of serum albumin.
Eyesight, Skin & Immunity
Albumin purifies the fluid of the eyeball, ensuring clear vision. It is also important in tears. The major reservoir of albumin in the entire body is in the skin (100g) where it prevents wrinkles, ensures proper turnover of skin cells, maintains the correct amount of moisture and ensures proper skin coloring and hormone production of keratinocytes. All this is deeply involved in overall immune function. Albumin is important in immune performance of both B and T cells, stabilizing platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells, and neutralizing an array of toxins. The importance of albumin in stabilizing the physical environment of the blood was recognized by P. Howe as early as 1925. Immunologists often overlook albumin’s role in immunity.
Cancer
Albumin is easily the most abundant and powerful natural anti-cancer compound. It binds virtually all known carcinogens, including nitrosomines and aflatoxins (11). The incidence of cancer in the presence of high albumin is extremely rare, or nonexistent. The link between all types of cancer and low albumin is extremely strong, and well reported, and albumin levels determine the outcome of all cancer types. Cells are not healthy in the presence of low albumin such as in alcoholics, the elderly, premature infants, and the sick. It is well reported that when albumin is restored there is usually full remission. I again repeat; All attempts to raise albumin, especially in cancer patients, by diet, parenteral nutrition, infusion, drugs, vitamins, minerals and exercise, invariably fail. S. Klein, M.D. clearly demonstrated the “Myth” of serum albumin as a measure of nutritional status in 1990.
Achieving Optimal Albumin Profiles
The first thing to understand is that the old reference range (35-50g/L)[3.5-5.0 g/dl], was written about 1840, and is now completely out-of-date. The new International reference range for albumin is 40-60g/L (19). Everyone must strive to reach a minimum of 50g/L. We have achieved levels of up to 59g/L (the highest ever), with an albumin globulin (A/G) ratio of 4.13. The A/G ratio is useful as an overall index of health; the higher the ratio, the better. Unfortunately, the average A/G ratio is only 1.6. This indicates that most are under stress for much of there live, simple explaining why the majority dies around 75yrs.
Serum proteins are divided into 2 groups: 1: Albumin, and 2: Globulins. A fundamental law of nature concerning biochemistry and physiology is: As globulins rise in the serum, albumin must fall. The total level of ALL serum proteins should not exceed 80g/L [8.0g/dL], because osmotic pressure would become too high and cells would dehydrate. The globulin levels are determined by 2 major protein fractions; (a) -The total antibody levels (immunoglobins), and (b) -The level of the acute phase reactants (APRs are proteins involved in inflammation and defense). The only possible way to achieve super albumin profiles is to reduce the globulins, thereby allowing more osmotic “Room” in the serum for high albumin. eg. Reduce globulins to <24g/L and raise albumin to a minimum of 48g/L. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY. The reason why diet, supplements, infusion and exercise all fail is because they can never influence the A/G ratio.

Albumin & the Liver

The word liver means “Lifer”. The liver is the only organ known to be able to make albumin (humans cannot). Attempts to stimulate the liver to produce more albumin when globulins are high, is dangerous, foolish and biochemically-physiologically uneducated. The end result is poorer health and higher mortality! In order to reduce globulins one has to remove the stress from the immune system; then wait for the body to naturally reduce the globulins, and the liver to fill up the osmotic space with albumin. This takes about 3-6 months. In very sick people, and the elderly, it may take several years. The only possible, natural and safe way to accomplish this is to practice the best personal hygiene possible. During the last 17 years, we have been able to develop what is clearly the most practical and efficient personal hygiene system, specifically designed to clean the fingernails, nasal passageway, eyes, skin, and hair. We found we could reduce common ear, nose, throat and skin problems to a level never before thought possible. In 1985, we began to observe that the level of serum albumin was higher in those following this hygiene regime. The mean antibody levels drop from ~17g/L to ~10g/L. The acute phase reactants also drop (no night sweats). In summary, the total globulins will fall from ~30g/L to ~20g/L. Then, and only then, it is possible to achieve a 10g increase in albumin. eg: from 42g/L to 52g/L. In the very healthiest people, particularly in children, it is possible to reach a “high” 60g/L, with an A/G ratio of 4.0. These super-serum profiles set the scene for optimal human development; physically and mentally. This is a triple-whammy because it can only be achieved by reducing infections, reducing the stress on the immune system and the third benefit, a natural improvement in serum albumin. The following are some of the results we have achieved.

: Results

Name	Age	Total Proteins g/L	Albumin g/L	Globulins g/L	A/G ratio	Test date
Kenneth Seaton	57	77	53	24	2.21	1996:12:02
Patrick Brodnik*	30	75	50	25	2.0	1996:12:02
Maggie Seaton	58	70	49.4	20.6	2.4	1997:07:30
Kylie Seaton	2	65.1	52.4	12.7	4.13+	1997:07:30
Samantha Seaton	18	78	59+	19	3.1	1997:08:11
Seaton average	33	73	53	20	2.65
Normal Average		70	42	28	1.5 **
Optimal		75	60	15	4.0 ***

All tests were conducted using Roche Cobas Fara II by:
Gen:ox Laboratories, Baltimore, Maryland. [21230 Ph: 410-347-7630]
Oxidative stress. Assessment and management for medical diagnostic and optimal health span.
* House guest for 4 months.
** Data from major laboratories throughout the USA.
*** Data from NHANES, British Regional Heart Study and Japanese study.
+ Highest levels yet recorded in any literature

Summary

The history of medicine, is the history of hygiene. It is not the history of diet or the history of exercise. The caveman had an excellent balanced diet, ample exercise, no pollution, little modern-day stress, yet the life span was clearly ~16 years. The Japanese today, reach an average of ~84 years, via better personal hygiene. Maintaining super albumin profiles via advanced hygiene techniques should enable an average life span of at least 100 years. I believe there is a possibility to reach as high as perhaps 150 years. In support, calorie restriction in creases the average life span of laboratory rats from 2 to 4 years. Amazingly, the water rat lives easily to 8 years (20). For 100 years biologists have used the quality and quantity of albumin as the best scientific measure of species development. In support, humans have the highest quality and quantity of albumin, and the longest life span on average. The age-old sayings that “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” and “All health is 2/3rds hygiene”, are more valid and scientific than ever.
: Kenneth Seaton, D.Sc.

References:

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