Possible causes of high blood protein include:
- Bone marrow disorder
- Multiple myeloma
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Dehydration (which may make blood proteins appear falsely elevated)
A high-protein diet doesn't cause high blood protein.
High blood protein is not a specific disease or condition in itself. It's usually a laboratory finding uncovered during the evaluation of a particular condition or symptom. For instance, although high blood protein is found in people who are dehydrated, the real problem is that the blood plasma is actually more concentrated.
Certain proteins in the blood may be elevated as your body fights an infection or some other inflammation. People with certain bone marrow diseases, such as multiple myeloma, may have high blood protein levels before they show any other symptoms.
The role of proteins
Proteins are large, complicated molecules that are vital to the function of all cells and tissues. They are made in many places throughout your body and circulate in the blood.
Proteins take a variety of forms — such as albumin, antibodies and enzymes — and have many different functions, including:
- Helping you fight disease
- Regulating body functions
- Building muscles
- Transporting drugs and other substances throughout the body
Nov. 18, 2014
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
- Total protein and A/G ratio. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/tp/tab/glance. Accessed Aug. 25, 2014.
- Amyloidosis and kidney disease. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/amyloidosis/. Accessed Aug. 25, 2014.
- Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS). The Merck Manual Home Edition. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec14/ch175/ch175b.html. Accessed Aug. 25, 2014.
- Rajkumar SV. Recognition of monoclonal proteins. www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 25, 2014.
- Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 22, 2014.
- Somers MJ. Clinical assessment and diagnosis of hypovolemia (dehydration) in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Aug. 25, 2014.