The NatureCity Podcast

Nature City

The Nature City Podcast dives into the world of supplements and nutrition to help you make the best decision for your health and lifestyle needs. Hosted by CEO and Founder Carl Pradelli, The Nature City Podcast is your go-to podcast for all things supplements, nutrition, and much more. To learn more about Nature City and our work, visit https://www.naturecity.com/ You can also follow us on Youtube to watch the latest episodes, of the Nature City Podcast

  1. 2d ago

    Calcium Isn’t the Problem. Mismanaged Calcium Is.

    Most people meet vitamin K2 through bone health. The less known story is what it does for your arteries. Subscribe for science-backed healthy-aging answers from Carl Pradelli. Most of the vitamin K in your diet is K1, not K2, and the two do not behave the same way in the body. That distinction is the whole episode. Carl Pradelli, CEO and Co-Founder of NatureCity, walks through why vitamin K2 in the MK-7 form may be one of the most overlooked nutrients in the healthy-aging conversation, and why its role goes well beyond bone density into vascular health and arterial flexibility. The mechanism is the part most people never hear about. Vitamin K2 activates two vitamin K-dependent proteins: Matrix Gla protein, which helps keep calcium out of artery walls and soft tissue, and osteocalcin, which helps bind calcium into bone. Carl frames it in one line: vitamin K2 helps the body put calcium where it belongs and keep it out of places where it does not. The problem was never calcium itself. The problem is mismanaged calcium, and mismanaged calcium is what can drive vascular calcification, reduced blood vessel elasticity, and arterial stiffness as you age. Diet rarely closes the gap. Research on the different vitamin K forms show that MK-7 carries a much longer half-life than other vitamin K forms, but MK-7 is typically a very small part of our diets – unless you’re eating fermented foods regularly. That is why Carl points to the best researched MK-7 form for supplements, MenaQ7, which is used in NatureCity’s TrueK2D3 alongside vitamin D3, and in TrueOsteo+ alongside vitamin D3, plant calcium and magnesium for broader bone and vascular support. He also references the work of Dr. Leon Schurgers from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, a leading vitamin K2 researcher who describes the loss of independence at age 80 as something that often begins decades earlier. Several published placebo-controlled research studies demonstrate how vitamin K2 can support vascular health and blood vessel elasticity. For healthy adults, the research suggests taking 180 micrograms of MenaQ7 vitamin K2 daily. Carl is careful to keep this in research framing: vitamin K2 doesn’t work in isolation – It’s part of a system with vitamin D3 and other nutrients like magnesium that work together to support healthy aging. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How vitamin K2 routes calcium toward bone and away from arteriesWhy dietary vitamin K1 cannot stand in for K2What Matrix Gla protein and osteocalcin actually doWhat three years of MenaQ7 K2 did to blood vessel elasticityWhy K2, vitamin D3, and magnesium work as a system TIMESTAMPS 0:00 K2 Is More Than a Bone Nutrient 1:20 How Vascular Calcification Can Age You 2:07 Dr. Schurgers on K2 and Aging 2:50 Why Diet Falls Short on K2 4:03 Matrix Gla Protein and Osteocalcin 5:08 What MK-7 and MenaQ7 Really Are 5:55 The 3-Year Blood Vessel Study 8:03 K2 and Supporting Nutrients ABOUT NATURECITY NatureCity was founded by Carl Pradelli, CEO and Co-Founder, with a mission to deliver transparent, science-backed natural health supplements. With over 500,000 customers served, NatureCity is committed to quality, honesty, and results. TrueK2D3: https://www.naturecity.com/products/truek2d3-plant-based-vitamin-k2-vitamin-d3?_pos=1&_psq=truek&_ss=e&_v=1.0 TrueOsteo+: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-osteo?_pos=1&_psq=trueosteo&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Learn more: https://www.naturecity.com/ #VitaminK2 #MK7 #VascularHealth #HealthyAging #MenaQ7

    10 min
  2. Jun 12

    Your 1,000mg Magnesium Supplement Could Be 99% the Cheapest Form

    Some magnesium supplements look impressive on the label — especially those claiming large amounts of magnesium from a “complex” of multiple forms. But when you break down the math, many of these products appear to rely overwhelmingly on magnesium oxide: the cheapest, least absorbable, and often least desirable form for everyday supplementation. In this episode, Carl Pradelli, CEO and Co-Founder of NatureCity, runs the label math on a popular magnesium complex, explains how these misleading magnesium blends work, why capsule claims often don’t add up, and how to spot label engineering designed to make a product seem higher quality than it really is. Carl takes you step-by-step through numbers and how he reached the conclusion that a 1,000mg blend with 8 types of magnesium has to be at least 90% magnesium oxide, and could plausibly run as high as 98% or 99%. You’ll also learn why pure magnesium bisglycinate chelate is often a much better option for supporting magnesium levels without unwanted gastrointestinal effects. If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone shopping for a magnesium supplement. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - Why "proprietary blend" and "magnesium complex" labels can hide what you're actually buying - The capsule math showing why a 1,000mg, 8-form magnesium blend has to be at least 90% magnesium oxide - How much magnesium most adults actually need, and why 1,000mg a day rarely makes sense without a doctor's guidance - Why magnesium oxide is poorly absorbed, with some estimates as low as 4% - What Carl looks for instead: pure magnesium bisglycinate chelate, and why it doesn't fit well in capsules NatureCity was founded over 20 years ago by Carl and his wife Beth on a commitment to science and ingredient transparency, and has served over 500,000 Americans since. Full chapter breakdown below. If this helped you read your next supplement label, please like the video and subscribe so you won't miss future episodes. Learn more about True Magnesium: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-magnesium?_pos=1&_sid=e3fc8b62e&_ss=r ABOUT NATURECITY NatureCity was founded by Carl Pradelli with a mission to deliver transparent, science-backed natural health supplements. With over 500,000 customers served, NatureCity is committed to quality, honesty, and results. NatureCity Website: https://www.naturecity.com/ #NatureCity #Magnesium #SupplementLabels #NaturalHealth

    13 min
  3. Jun 8

    Eggshell Membrane for Joints: 3 Ways It Works (Backed by 16 Studies)

    Many people reach for glucosamine or chondroitin when they think about joint supplements. The ingredient with some of the strongest human research behind it comes from a part of the egg almost everyone throws away: the thin membrane inside the shell. Carl Pradelli, CEO and Co-Founder of NatureCity, breaks down natural eggshell membrane, known as NEM, and why it may be one of the most underappreciated ingredients in joint health. Subscribe for science-backed health education every week. Eggshell membrane is different from the single-compound supplement ingredients most people know. It is a naturally occurring matrix that contains many of the same compounds found in the body's own connective tissue, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and other glycosaminoglycans, along with a small amount of glucosamine. There is also a strong origin story. The founders of Stratton Nutrition saw that the shells and membranes from commercially cracked eggs were going to landfills, and developed a patented steam-and-vibration process to separate the membrane and concentrate it into a joint-health powder. NEM is natural, food-sourced, and upcycled. Carl walks through why the research stands out. To date, 16 published studies have investigated NEM for both safety and efficacy, at a practical dose of just 500 milligrams a day. Research has shown improvements in joint comfort and flexibility in as little as seven to 10 days, which is faster than many joint ingredients ask people to wait, with benefits that can continue to build over continued use. He also explains how NEM appears to work in more than one way. First, it supplies key building blocks found in joint tissue. Second, research suggests it may support a healthy inflammatory response, including supporting healthy levels of markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Third, and most interesting to Carl is how NEM helps protect healthy cartilage. Urinary CTX-II is a biomarker of type II collagen breakdown. The reduction in urinary CTX- II experienced by many NEM users is considered a sign that cartilage breakdown is being reduced. That points to NEM supporting the structure of healthy cartilage, not just how joints feel. NEM is a win for the environmental too: it takes the membranes from about 12 eggs to make a single 500 milligram dose, and to date over 250 million pounds of eggshells have been diverted from landfills to make the beneficial NEM powder. Finally, Carl makes the case for proactive joint support. As he puts it, the smartest joint strategy is not to wait until you’re hurting. NEM and the other key ingredients in TrueJoint FLX can help you stay active and recover from exercise while promoting longer term joint health. NatureCity was co-founded by Carl Pradelli with a mission to deliver transparent, science-backed natural health supplements, and has served over 500,000 customers over its 20+ year history. This conversation connects to joint health, cartilage support, collagen, hyaluronic acid, inflammation, and healthy aging. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN What natural eggshell membrane (NEM) is and how it differs from glucosamineThe three ways research suggests NEM supports jointsWhat CTX-II tells you about cartilage healthHow NEM fits into TrueJoint FLX ABOUT NATURECITY NatureCity was founded by Carl Pradelli with a mission to deliver transparent, science-backed natural health supplements. With over 500,000 customers served, NatureCity is committed to quality, honesty, and results. Learn more about TruJoint FLX: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-joint-flx?srsltid=AfmBOorusQkktdS2cuC0BNfj2APilraO-bMq2yWmKJolYRSpJf-xixo- This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. #NatureCity #JointHealth #EggshellMembrane #NaturalHealth

    10 min
  4. May 21

    Amla Is Trending for Hair—But Here's What It Actually Does Best

    Amla is everywhere in haircare right now—but what does the science actually support? Carl Pradelli breaks down what this trending ingredient does best. WHAT YOU'LL LEARNWhy amla (Indian gooseberry) is trending in beauty and haircare circlesWhat the early human research says about amla and hair healthThe stronger scientific evidence linking amla to cardiovascular supportHow Capros amla extract supports heart health and nitric oxide productionWhy healthy blood circulation matters for every tissue in your bodyHow to pair TrueCapros with hair-specific formulas for a complete approach You've probably noticed amla showing up more in haircare conversations—scalp health, hair strength, even hair growth. But should you be taking an amla supplement for your hair? In this episode, NatureCity CEO and Co-Founder Carl Pradelli gives you a straight answer. While there is some early human evidence suggesting oral amla may support hair health in women, the stronger and more established science points somewhere else entirely: blood circulation and cardiovascular health. Carl explains how Capros, the high-potency amla extract used in TrueCapros and TruBerry7, has been shown in multiple human studies to support endothelial function, increase nitric oxide production, reduce oxidative stress markers, and support already healthy cholesterol levels. He breaks down what endothelial function actually means, why nitric oxide matters for blood vessel health, and how healthy circulation supports every tissue in your body—including, in theory, hair follicles. The takeaway? People may discover amla because of the hair trend, but the real value lies in heart and blood flow support. And if hair is also a goal, Carl shares a smarter strategy: pairing TrueCapros with direct hair support formulas like TrueHNS or TrueNuGrow+. TIMESTAMPS0:00 Why amla is trending in haircare1:35 The early human evidence on amla and hair2:39 Why topical amla oil isn't the same as oral supplements3:29 The stronger science: cardiovascular and circulation support4:38 What is endothelial function and why it matters5:40 How Capros supports nitric oxide and blood flow6:57 Could circulation support also help hair follicles?7:57 The smarter approach: pairing Capros with hair formulas9:02 Summary and product recommendations Learn more about Tru Capros, TruBerry7, Tru HNS, and Tru NewGro+ at NatureCity.com. Subscribe to the Nature City Podcast so you never miss an episode! LINKS & RESOURCESTru Capros: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-capros?_pos=1&_sid=d5a7c2a1c&_ss=rTruBerry7 Super Fruit Drink Powder: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-berry-7?_pos=1&_sid=79fe98409&_ss=rTru HNS: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-hns?_pos=1&_sid=5a71670d1&_ss=rNatureCity Website: https://www.naturecity.comListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-naturecity-podcast/id1678816753Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/64DPMHuV8FtOTommUSBxnG?si=c4490114cbe44b68 #Amla #HeartHealth #NitricOxide #NatureCity #Capros

    10 min
  5. May 15

    Why Calcium Alone Won't Save Your Bones After 40

    Most women don't think about bone health until their 60s or 70s — and by then, bone loss is already well underway. Subscribe to the NatureCity channel for science-backed conversations on supplements, healthy aging, and the research most women never hear. In this episode, Carl Pradelli, CEO and Co-Founder of NatureCity, walks through why bone health support has to start earlier than most women realize, why calcium alone won't carry the load, and what bones actually need to keep rebuilding. According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and up to one in four men over 50 will break a bone in their lifetime. MedlinePlus notes that bone loss often has no symptoms until the first bone break, and that loss accelerates in the years following menopause. That combination — silent loss and a late wake-up call — is what makes bone health a timing problem before it's a supplement problem. Carl unpacks the biology most people never hear. Bone is not a static structure. It's living tissue, constantly being remodeled by two types of cells: osteoclasts that break down old bone, and osteoblasts that build new bone. Healthy bones depend on the balance between those two processes, and when that balance shifts toward breakdown, bone density and bone strength gradually decline. This is why a single-ingredient calcium supplement falls short. Strong bones require a broader system of nutrients working together — the full orchestra, not the solo performer. That system, as Carl describes it, includes calcium as the foundation, vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium, vitamin K2 to direct calcium to the bone matrix instead of soft tissue, magnesium to support bone structure and the body's handling of vitamin D and calcium, and silica to support the connective-tissue framework that strong bones depend on. The form of calcium matters too. Plant calcium carries additional trace minerals and cofactors that better reflect how the body actually builds bone, compared to standard calcium derived from limestone rock. Movement, strength training, and adequate protein round out a real bone health plan — supplements support the work, but the body still has to do it. For viewers wondering whether they've waited too long, the closing message is the most important: it's never too early, and it's never too late. The ideal time to start supporting bone health is before and around the menopausal transition, when loss accelerates. Meaningful support is still possible at any age. Carl references TruOsteo+ (with Sensoril ashwagandha for stress-related bone protection) and TruOsteo for the core bone-nutrient stack, plus TruK2D3 and TruMagnesium for individual cofactor support. NatureCity was founded by Carl Pradelli with a mission to deliver transparent, science-backed natural health supplements. Over 500,000 customers have ordered from NatureCity since the company was founded over 20 years ago. Timestamps0:00 — Welcome 0:30 — Why most women start bone support too late 3:18 — Bones are living tissue: osteoblasts and osteoclasts 4:36 — The biggest calcium misconception 5:33 — The five nutrients bones actually need 8:17 — Plant calcium versus rock calcium 9:39 — Never too early, never too late About NatureCityNatureCity was founded by Carl Pradelli with a mission to deliver transparent, science-backed natural health supplements. With over 500,000 customers served, NatureCity is committed to quality, honesty, and results. LinksShop TruOsteo+: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-osteo?srsltid=AfmBOoqdCS3b35QyetKdc_Juf8HLdhOrCAzPwTTrBGTGuoIF7e3wbi-t Shop TruOsteo: https://www.naturecity.com/products/trueosteo-advanced-bone-support-no-ash?_pos=2&_sid=3ff954109&_ss=r Shop TruK2D3: https://www.naturecity.com/products/truek2d3-plant-based-vitamin-k2-vitamin-d3?_pos=1&_sid=58df74e56&_ss=r Shop TruMagnesium: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-magnesium?_pos=1&_sid=4a033ca3f&_ss=r Visit NatureCity: https://www.naturecity.com/ #NatureCity #BoneHealth #WomensHealth #HealthyAging

    11 min
  6. May 8

    Why Taking Collagen Alone Isn't Enough (And the 5 Nutrients Most People Miss)

    Most collagen advice stops at the supplement aisle. Subscribe for what comes next: https://www.youtube.com/@naturecitysupplements In this episode, Carl Pradelli, CEO and Co-Founder of NatureCity, walks through what the body actually does with collagen peptides — and the five nutrients that turn those fragments into actual collagen for healthy skin, hair, joints, and connective tissue. Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the human body, and it holds together everything from skin and cartilage to tendons, ligaments, bones, and blood vessels. Production declines with age, which is why collagen has become one of the largest categories in supplements for skin, hair, joints, and healthy aging. Reaching for a collagen supplement is a reasonable response. The confusion starts with what happens next. Collagen peptides are not finished collagen. They are fragments — broken-down pieces of collagen protein that the body still has to digest, absorb, and use as raw material before any of it ends up in your skin or joints. That distinction reframes the entire question. Rather than asking whether to take collagen, Carl walks through what the body actually needs to build and maintain it. Vitamin C is non-negotiable for collagen synthesis — without enough of it, the body cannot properly form collagen, which is one reason vitamin C has been linked to skin health and wound healing for as long as nutrition science has existed. Silica, a mineral containing the element silicon, supports the architecture of skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. Glycine, one of the primary amino acids inside collagen itself, is a major part of its structure. OptiMSM provides sulfur, a key structural element across the connective-tissue matrix, which is why MSM has earned its place in both beauty and joint-health conversations. None of these are alternatives to collagen peptides. They are the building blocks and structural supports that determine whether the peptides you take get used. Building collagen is only half the work. The collagen already in your body is under constant pressure from oxidative stress, UV exposure, an unhealthy inflammatory response, and normal aging — and protecting it matters as much as building more. This is where astaxanthin earns its reputation as one of nature's most powerful antioxidants. The skin cells that produce collagen, called fibroblasts, can have their output reduced or shut down entirely when free radicals attack them. Astaxanthin's antioxidant properties help defend fibroblasts so they can keep producing collagen, while protecting the tissues collagen already holds together. For anyone focused on skin health, joint health, or visible aging, that protective layer is the piece a collagen-only routine misses. Collagen support is a system, not a single supplement. Collagen peptides supply raw material, but vitamin C, silica, glycine, OptiMSM, and astaxanthin do the building, structural, and protective work the body relies on to turn that raw material into healthy tissue. NatureCity's TrueNuGrow+ formula combines collagen with nutrients that support hair, skin, and connective tissue from several angles, and TrueJointFLX uses the NEM eggshell membrane complex — which contains collagen alongside supporting nutrients — for joints, muscles, and surrounding connective tissue. ABOUT NATURECITY NatureCity was founded by Carl Pradelli with a mission to deliver transparent, science-backed natural health supplements. Over 500,000 customers served. LEARN MORE TrueNuGrow+: https://www.naturecity.com/products/truenugrow?_pos=1&_psq=truenugro&_ss=e&_v=1.0 TrueJointFLX: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-joint-flx?_pos=1&_psq=truejoint&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Visit naturecity.com or contact us with any questions: https://www.naturecity.com/ or customerservice@naturecity.com #NatureCity #Collagen #HealthyAging #Astaxanthin #Supplements

    10 min
  7. Apr 24

    Why Most Curcumin Supplements Underperform (And the Absorption Fix)

    Turmeric and curcumin are not the same thing — and most curcumin supplements are poorly absorbed. Subscribe for more supplement truth from Carl Pradelli. In this episode, Carl Pradelli, CEO and Co-Founder of NatureCity, breaks down the real reason so many curcumin supplements underperform: absorption. The milligram number on the bottle is only half the story. What matters is how much your body can actually use. Turmeric is the yellow-orange spice used in cooking. Curcumin is the key compound inside turmeric that research has linked to a healthy inflammation response, joint comfort, cognitive support, immune function, mood balance, and cardiovascular health. Raw turmeric powder only contains about 2 to 5 percent curcumin, which means reaching a meaningful supplemental dose from turmeric alone would require roughly eight grams per day — not practical for almost anyone. Once curcumin is isolated, it becomes poorly absorbed during digestion. That is where many supplement companies mislead consumers. A bottle can list 500 milligrams or even 1,000 milligrams of curcumin and still deliver very little to the bloodstream. A common fix is combining curcumin with piperine, a black pepper extract, but piperine is a foreign absorption enhancer and can raise questions about interactions with other substances. Carl explains why NatureCity uses BCM-95 in True Curcumin. BCM-95 reunites curcumin with turmeric's own essential oils — no foreign enhancers, all from the turmeric plant itself. Just 400 milligrams of BCM-95 has been shown to be equivalent to about 2,500 milligrams of regular curcumin in terms of absorption and sustained presence in the bloodstream. BCM-95 is backed by over 90 published independent research papers and an 18-year track record in 60 countries. He also covers True Joint FLX, which uses TamaFlex — a research combination of turmeric and tamarind seed backed by three separate human clinical studies for joint health. The takeaway for every supplement buyer: look past the milligram number. Ask two questions instead. Is it absorbed? And does the specific extract have human clinical research behind it? ABOUT NATURECITY NatureCity was founded by Carl Pradelli with a mission to deliver transparent, science-backed natural health supplements. With over 500,000 customers served across 20+ years, NatureCity is committed to quality, honesty, and results. LINKS True Curcumin: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-curcumin?srsltid=AfmBOoqm6l-h5VGsz_Ul9npMMuA1LC9--5rXxhP-JSTmflrO97ZLAF3G TrueJoint FLX: https://www.naturecity.com/products/true-joint-flx?srsltid=AfmBOopmkl90VG77ZY8zLnEfuXUhgB_I5E3RHxJ0Fesg46kjQVIBXuHv NatureCity website: https://www.naturecity.com Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@naturecitysupplements #NatureCity #Curcumin #Turmeric #JointHealth #Supplements

    10 min
  8. Apr 16

    Calming Energy: How to Stay Focused Without Caffeine Crashes

    Struggling to stay focused without reaching for another cup of coffee? Carl Pradelli, CEO and Co-Founder of NatureCity, explains why stimulation is not the same as focus and how calming energy can transform your productivity. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ✓ Why caffeine creates short energy spikes followed by crashes that hurt focus ✓ What "calming energy" means and why it outperforms stimulation for sustained productivity ✓ How enXtra Thai ginger supports alertness for up to five hours without caffeine or sleep disruption ✓ How PharmaGABA promotes calm focus without drowsiness ✓ How LandKind salidroside helps your body handle stress and reduce mental fatigue This episode of the NatureCity Podcast arrives during Stress Awareness Month, and Carl Pradelli connects the dots between everyday stressors and the focus and energy problems most people try to solve with more caffeine. The issue, Carl explains, is that caffeine delivers short-lived stimulation, not focus. When your stress response system is constantly activated, flooding your body with cortisol and adrenaline, true mental clarity becomes difficult regardless of how much caffeine you consume. Carl introduces a concept NatureCity calls calming energy: steady, controlled mental energy that supports focus without the jitters, crashes or feelings of anxiety that may come with repeated stimulant use. A calming energy approach is about maintaining consistent focus, steady energy, and a calm mental state throughout the day. He breaks down three key ingredients that can work together to help create this balanced state. enXtra, derived from Thai ginger, has been shown in placebo-controlled studies to support alertness, improved reaction time and fewer errors for up to five hours. PharmaGABA, a natural form of the neurotransmitter GABA, promotes relaxation and a calm mental state without drowsiness. LandKind salidroside (the key adaptogen compound from the Rhodiola plant) supports cognitive performance under stress and can help protect against mental fatigue. These three ingredients are the foundation of NatureCity's TrueMind formula, which also includes active forms of key B vitamins for cellular energy production. Carl shares his personal routine of taking TrueMind between 10 and 11 a.m. for sustained productivity through the rest of the business day. SUBSCRIBE to the NatureCity Podcast for weekly episodes on natural health, science-backed supplements and wellness strategies that actually work. ABOUT NATURECITY NatureCity was founded by Carl Pradelli with a mission to deliver transparent, science-backed natural health supplements. With over 500,000 customers served, NatureCity is committed to quality, honesty and results. https://www.naturecity.com/ #NatureCity #CalmingEnergy #StressRelief #NaturalFocus #TrueMind

    9 min

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The Nature City Podcast dives into the world of supplements and nutrition to help you make the best decision for your health and lifestyle needs. Hosted by CEO and Founder Carl Pradelli, The Nature City Podcast is your go-to podcast for all things supplements, nutrition, and much more. To learn more about Nature City and our work, visit https://www.naturecity.com/ You can also follow us on Youtube to watch the latest episodes, of the Nature City Podcast

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