Does lack of protein cause osteoarthritis? Exploring the Connection
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to the Arthritis Foundation, adequate, high-quality protein is essential for maintaining muscle strength and function, which are crucial for joint support. So, does lack of protein cause osteoarthritis directly? The relationship is complex, involving muscle loss, impaired cartilage repair, and inflammation, rather than a simple cause-and-effect link.