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Association between a gut microbiota-targeted dietary index and osteoarthritis/rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study

Wei-Hua Yang, Zhi Li, Xiang Chen, Ji-Nian Chen, Zhi-Xiang Lu

Clinics, 2026

Abstract

Highlights • Dietary gut microbiome index inversely associated with rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.• First study linking DI-GM to arthritis types using NHANES 2007–2018 data.• Cross-sectional design limits causal inference; reverse causality is possible.• Exploratory subgroup signals found in Mexican Americans and overweight adults.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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