Values < 3 g / dL (< 30 g / L) suggest decreased synthesis, caused by one of the following: Advanced cirrhosis (the most common cause) Alcohol-related liver disease Chronic inflammation Protein undernutrition Hypoalbuminemia can also result from excessive loss of albumin from the kidneys (ie, nephrotic syndrome), gut (eg, due to protein-losing gastroenteropathies), or skin (eg, due to burns or exfoliative dermatitis).