An 85-year-old man in Japan sought medical treatment after experiencing poor complexion and unsteady movement. Medical tests revealed that his blood albumin level was only 3.6 g/dL, significantly below the normal range. Following his doctor’s recommendation, the elderly man began eating five eggs daily for four months. As a result, his overall appearance and energy levels improved noticeably, and his albumin level rose to 4.5 g/dL, returning to a healthy range.
Japanese doctors explained that eggs are not only an excellent source of high-quality protein, but also rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins and calcium. Addressing public concerns about eggs raising cholesterol levels, physicians cited studies showing that even participants who consumed 10 eggs per day for five consecutive days did not experience significant increases in blood cholesterol.
Chen Hsin-Hung, a traditional Chinese medicine physician at XinZhuang Xingfu Han Medical Clinic, explained that albumin is a crucial protein synthesized by the liver and released into the bloodstream. It accounts for more than 50% of total serum protein and plays a vital role in maintaining blood vessel pressure, transporting hormones, and carrying metabolic substances. He emphasized that egg consumption should be adjusted according to individual health conditions, especially for patients with liver or kidney metabolism issues, who should consult a physician before significantly increasing protein intake.
According to statistics on elderly nutrition and health trends in Taiwan, the average albumin level among individuals aged 65 and above is approximately 4.5 g/dL, while levels tend to be even lower in those aged 75 and above, indicating a gradual decline with age.
Dr. Chen recommended that middle-aged and elderly individuals aim for a daily protein intake of 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person weighing 50 kilograms should consume about 60 grams of protein per day, which can be obtained from dairy products, eggs, meat, and legumes.
