Globulin

What is Globulin?

Globulins are a family of proteins which are not soluble in water but do dissolve in dilute salt solutions. Globulins are made by both the liver and the immune system and make up a large proportion of blood serum protein.[1]

Why take a Globulin blood test?

Proteins are essential building blocks of all cells and tissues. These proteins are needed for our overall health as well as growth and development. There are two types of serum protein, albumin and globulins. Different proteins make up the globulin family and many bind with haemoglobin in the blood while some are involved in the transportation of metals and others are part of the immune system’s response to fighting infection.

Globulin levels can rise in response to some infections and diseases. Equally, it can reduce because of some conditions, illnesses and deficiencies.

You can test your globulin levels by purchasing a simple at-home finger prick test kit which is then analysed at an accredited lab. Forth offers a number of blood tests which include globulin such as a liver function test which can be purchased for just £39.00.

What function does Globulin have in the body?

Globulins make up a large proportion of blood serum proteins which includes carrier proteins, enzymes and immunoglobulins. Globulins can be split into five groups, α1, α2, β1, β2 and γ. Globulins play a variety of roles in the human body.

Major α2 globulins are macroglobulin and haptoglobin. Haptoglobin binds free haemoglobin from broken down red blood cells.[2] Whereas, macroglobulin is a multifunctional binding protein.[3]

A major β globulin is a transferrin, a protein which attaches to iron molecules and transports it in the blood. Transferrin is responsible for regulating the body’s iron absorption into the blood.[4]

How do changes in Globulin affect health and wellbeing?

Depending on which globulin is affected will depend on the symptoms it can cause. For example, an increase in the α1 globulin, antitrypsin is seen in inflammatory disorders because it is an acute phase reactant. This means its concentration in the blood increases in response to inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by injury, infection or conditions such as arthritis, all of which can be unpleasant and uncomfortable.[5]

If a total protein count is taken, high protein levels can indicate dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it’s taking in and if left untreated it can be serious. Dehydration can make you feel quite unwell and some of the symptoms are uncomfortable.[6]

If you are worried about your globulin level or just want to check where you fall on the range, you can test your level with a simple at-home blood test.

What can cause Globulin to change?

Dehydration can cause protein levels in the blood to change but following rehydration, they should return to normal.[7] Dehydration is more likely to occur if you have:

• Diabetes
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Been sweating too much after exercising
• A high temperature over 38oC
• Been taking diuretics which make you pee more
• Spent too much time in the sun (heatstroke)

Some globulin levels can rise in response to inflammation, infection, oestrogen levels and injury. Individuals who smoke are more at risk of increased globulin levels, particularly antitrypsin, these individuals also have a higher level of background inflammation.[8] Inflammatory disease like arthritis can also cause a rise in serum globulin levels.

What are the most common symptoms?

The common symptoms of chronic inflammation are:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Depression, anxiety and mood changes
• Weight gain
• Gastrointestinal complications such as constipation, diarrhoea and acid reflux[9]

The classic signs of acute inflammation are:

• Pain
• Heat
• Swelling
• Redness
• Loss of function

Common signs of dehydration include:

• Thirst
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth, lips and eyes
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Peeing less often, less than 4 times per day
• Dark yellow, strong smelling pee

What Causes Low Active B12?

The human body needs vitamin B12 for several important functions, and because it is an essential vitamin, it must be acquired from the diet. This can be problematic for vegetarians or vegans because B12 is naturally found in animal-based products.

Poor nutrition in the elderly community or amongst those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol can also be risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency[11].

Other causes include autoimmune conditions, such as pernicious anaemia and malabsorption.

What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Deficiency develops when there is not enough B12 in the body, causing anaemia and resulting in abnormally large red blood cells which do not function properly.

A vitamin B12 level below 70pmol/L would be considered low and would need to be investigated via blood tests.

Symptoms of Low B12?

Symptoms of low vitamin B12 include:

• Fatigue
• Anaemia
• Sore tongue
• Pins and needles
• Muscle weakness
• Vision issues
• Depression
• Psychological problems e.g., anxiety and depression

What is a Low Level?

According to the NHS, a low level of total B12 is below 150 nanograms per litre (ng/l) (or about 116 pmmol/L)[12].

At Forth, we suggest a low level of active B12 is below (38 pmol/L).

How to keep Globulin in the healthy range

Inflammation is an important aspect of tissue repair after it has been injured. However, environmental factors such as smoking can increase the progression and severity of inflammation.[10] Acute phase reactant (ARP) concentrations rise during inflammation and because some globulins are examples of ARPs, their levels also rise. Quitting smoking can help to reduce inflammation and individuals with lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can slow down its progression by giving up.[11]

Exercise has many significant benefits for our health. Some research has shown that it can also reduce fat mass and adipose tissue inflammation which can cause systemic inflammation.[12] Exercise has  been used to reduce inflammation in elderly individuals. [13]

A decrease in globulins can occur through malnutrition. Therefore, it is essential to eat a healthy, balanced diet. You should incorporate foods from all the main food groups into your diet, such as:

• fruit and vegetables
• some milk and dairy foods
• some meat, fish and eggs plus some non-dairy sources of protein
• starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes and pasta.

How to Improve Your B12 Levels

There are several ways you can improve your B12 levels, depending on your circumstances and preferences.

Diet: What foods are good for B12?

The following foods are rich in vitamin B12:

• Animal liver and kidneys
• Clams
• Oysters
• Salmon
• Beef
• Poultry
• Milk and dairy products
• Eggs

B12 Supplements

The foods that are rich in B12 are animal-derived, posing a challenge for anyone following a vegan or vegetarian diet. So, supplementation can be an alternative option for anyone who cannot naturally acquire vitamin B12.

There are several types of B12 supplements available. The most common is cyanocobalamin but other forms include:

• Methylcobalamin
• Hydroxycobalamin
• Adenosylcobalamin

Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 while Methylcobalamin is naturally found in food sources and used to make supplements.

How long do they take to work?

It can take a few weeks for your B12 levels to rise or for you to notice an improvement in symptoms when using supplements.

Vitamin B12 injections

Vitamin B12 injections contain a synthetic version of B12 called hydroxocobalamin.

B12 injections begin to work straight away but it can take up to a few weeks to notice your symptoms improving[14].

There is unlikely to be any benefit to having vitamin B12 injections without deficiency.