High-protein albumin-based nutritional support in severe hypoalbuminemia: a narrative review of ALBUCURE efficacy, tolerability and clinical outcomes

Abstract

Hypoalbuminemia is a common clinical condition among hospitalized patients and is linked with increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, impaired wound healing, infections, and mortality. Nutritional interventions aimed at improving protein intake may enhance endogenous albumin synthesis and improve clinical outcomes. A narrative review of published literature was conducted using studies evaluating high protein nutritional supplement, particularly egg white derived albumin formulations, in patients with hypoalbuminemia. Relevant clinical studies, reviews, and nutritional guidelines published in peer-reviewed journals were examined. Available evidence suggests that high-protein albumin formulations significantly improve dietary protein intake, nutritional status, and serum albumin concentrations in hospitalized patients. Egg-white-derived proteins possess high biological value, complete essential amino acid composition, and excellent digestibility. Clinical studies evaluating formulations such as Albuwise showed improvements in serum albumin levels, and gastrointestinal tolerance. Oral nutritional supplementation appears to offer advantages over intravenous albumin administration by addressing underlying nutritional deficits while remaining cost-effective and sustainable. High protein albumin formulations such as ALBUCURE may represent a promising nutritional strategy for managing severe hypoalbuminemia in hospitalized patients. Current evidence supports their efficacy and tolerability; however, large randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive clinical recommendations.