Low prealbumin level - need guidance

I had my 6-month labs done last week.  Everything was great...except my prealbumin level.  And it's kind of freaking me out.   The normal range according to the lab is 20-40 (although I found literature online saying normal was 16-35).  My level was 14mg/dL.   

My information indicates that this particular result is an indication of protein malnutrition.  It could also be influenced by a zinc deficiency.  I swear to you that I am routinely getting 80+ grams of protein a day.  When I look back at MFP there may be a few days out of the month that I drop to 70-75 but never below that.  And I take 25 mg of zinc per day.  

I'm very concerned that I may not be efficiently absorbing the protein I eat.  I've only used Unjury protein powder, which is known as very high quality stuff.  And the rest of the protein I get is from meat or dairy sources.  Please tell me where I'm going wrong!  

Yes, I will be talking to my bariatric surgeon and internist about this but neither of them are nutritionists.  I know that a lot of the vets on here have unofficial PhD's in this stuff.  Guidance please!! 

In my first labs  at one month after surgery, my prealbumin was low - I think maybe 18.  The NP told me to get more protein, but I was getting 80 to 100 grams per day already.  Not knowing what to do, I just kept on as I was.  In my 6 month labs the levels were just fine.  So I would be diligent about getting my protein, but not make too much of it.  It may just be an anomaly

Good luck.

Carol. 

Thanks, Carol :-)