Final answer:
The level of prealbumin that indicates mild protein depletion is below 10-15 mg/dL.
Step-by-step explanation:
The level of prealbumin is used as an indicator of protein depletion. Prealbumin, also known as transthyretin, is a protein that is synthesized in the liver and transported in the blood. It has a relatively short half-life of about 2-3 days, making it a sensitive marker for changes in protein status.
Normal levels of prealbumin range from 15-40 mg/dL. Mild protein depletion is typically indicated by prealbumin levels below 10-15 mg/dL. It's important to note that prealbumin levels can be influenced by factors such as inflammation, liver disease, and kidney dysfunction, so it's important to consider these factors when interpreting the results.