Protect Your Collagen: What Destroys It and How to Save It

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This article discusses what damages the collagen in the skin and joints and how to protect them naturally.

Introduction

This protein holds you together—literally. It keeps skin smooth, joints cushioned, bones strong, and tissues connected. But while many people are quick to spend money on supplements and skincare products, few stop to ask:

What’s actually destroying the collagen they already have?

The truth is, your everyday choices—like what you eat, how much sun you get, whether you smoke, and how well you sleep—have a much bigger impact on this protein than any supplement. And protecting it isn’t just about staying youthful; it’s also about staying mobile, strong, and well.

It’s no wonder collagen supplements have become a booming business. In 2025, the global collagen market is expected to reach $6.4 billion. It is projected to grow even more in the years ahead. Mordor Intelligence

But not all products are created equal. Some so-called “collagen” supplements don’t contain real collagen—just plant-based fillers or misleading claims. For example, certain products were found to contain synthetic extracts like acacia seyal gum, misleading consumers seeking genuine collagen benefits. CosmeticsDesign.com

This article reveals what damages this protein and, more importantly, how you can preserve and rebuild it naturally, starting with your diet, your lifestyle, and a few carefully chosen supplements when needed.

When you protect this protein, you’re preserving your skin and your whole-body health.

II. What This Protein Does in the Body

This protein is like the glue that holds your body together. It’s the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of your total protein content. Think of it as the scaffolding that supports your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.

Here’s what collagen does for different parts of your body:

1. Skin: Firmness, Elasticity, and Hydration

• Collagen gives your skin its structure and bounce.
• It keeps skin looking plump, smooth, and youthful.
• As collagen decreases with age, fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable.

2. Joints and Cartilage: Cushion and Mobility

• Collagen helps form cartilage, the rubbery tissue that cushions joints.
• It keeps your movements smooth and pain-free.
• When collagen breaks down (as in arthritis), stiffness and joint pain follow.

3. Bones: Strength and Flexibility

• Your bones are made mostly of collagen and calcium.
• Collagen gives them flexibility, while minerals provide them with hardness.
• Without enough collagen, bones can become brittle and more prone to fracture.

4. Tendons and Ligaments: Connection and Stability

• Tendons (which connect muscles to bones) and ligaments (which connect bones to other bones) rely heavily on collagen.
• This protein ensures these tissues are strong, flexible, and injury-resistant.

5. Blood Vessels: Structure and Integrity

• Collagen is essential for the walls of arteries and veins.
• Weak collagen can contribute to vascular problems, like aneurysms or poor circulation.

6. Gut Lining: Barrier and Healing

• Collagen helps maintain the intestinal lining, preventing “leaky gut.”
• It supports digestive healing, especially in inflammatory conditions like IBS or Crohn’s.

7. Hair and Nails: Growth and Strength

• Collagen provides amino acids needed to build keratin, the main protein in hair and nails.
• It can promote thicker hair and stronger nails over time.

The image below shows the joint capsule, cartilage, ligaments, bursa, bone, tendon, and surrounding skin. All of which are made of collagen.

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In short, this protein isn’t just about looking good—it’s about functioning well.

Yet many people don’t realize that daily choices, from sugar consumption to sun exposure, can quietly destroy their stores of this vital protein.

III. What Destroys Collagen

You may be spending money on supplements, but are your daily habits quietly destroying your body’s natural protein?

Here are the top killers—and how they damage your skin, joints, and tissues over time.

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1. High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

• Too much sugar in your blood leads to glycation, where sugar molecules attach to collagen fibers.
• This forms Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), which make collagen stiff and brittle and more prone to breakage.
• The result? Sagging skin, wrinkles, and stiff joints—even if you’re young.

🟩 Example: A diet full of soda, pastries, and white bread accelerates skin aging and joint wear, even without diabetes.

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2. Smoking

• Cigarette smoke contains free radicals that attack collagen and reduce blood flow to the skin and joints.
• Smoking also depletes vitamin C, a nutrient your body needs to make new collagen.
• Smokers tend to develop deep wrinkles, dull skin, and joint pain faster than nonsmokers.

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3. Excessive Sun Exposure

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun penetrates deep into the skin and triggers enzymes called MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases).
• MMPs break down collagen fibers and slow down their repair.
• Over time, this leads to photoaging: leathery texture, sunspots, and wrinkles.

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4. Alcohol

• Alcohol dehydrates the skin and interferes with nutrient absorption.
• It lowers levels of vitamin A, zinc, and amino acids, all needed for collagen production.
• Chronic alcohol intake weakens collagen in both skin and cartilage.

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5. Chronic Inflammation

• Long-term inflammation—from processed foods, infections, gut issues, or autoimmune diseases—activates enzymes that degrade collagen.
• It also prevents the body from healing and rebuilding tissues.
• Inflammation is a hidden destroyer of joint cartilage, gut lining, and connective tissue.

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6. Stress and High Cortisol

• Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone that breaks down collagen and suppresses collagen production.
• It also leads to skin thinning, joint discomfort, and slower wound healing.

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7. Poor Diet and Nutrient Deficiencies

• Without key nutrients—especially vitamin C, zinc, copper, sulfur, glycine, and proline—your body can’t make or maintain collagen.
• A fast-food, ultra-processed diet leads to weak connective tissue, loose skin, and poor joint function.

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8. Sleep Deprivation

• During sleep, your body repairs and rebuilds collagen.
• Lack of quality sleep means less collagen renewal, leading to dull skin and slower recovery from joint stress.

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Key takeaway:
Even the best collagen supplement won’t help much if your daily habits break down your body’s collagen faster than it can rebuild it.

IV. Diet to Protect and Rebuild Collagen

You don’t need expensive supplements to build healthy skin, joints, and tissues. Your daily meals are more powerful than any powder—if you know what to eat. The right foods can help your body produce and protect collagen naturally.

Here’s how to do it:

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1. Control Blood Sugar with a Low-Glycemic Diet

• Preventing glycation is key to preserving collagen.
• Choose low glycemic index (GI) foods that prevent blood sugar spikes.

🟢 Eat more:

• Leafy greens, berries, legumes, whole grains (in moderation)
• Nuts and seeds

🔴 Avoid or limit:

• Sugary drinks, pastries, white bread, and refined carbs

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2. Eat Collagen-Building Nutrients

To make collagen, your body needs the right amino acids and cofactors:

A. Vitamin C – The Collagen Spark Plug

• Needed to convert proline and lysine into collagen
• Also an antioxidant that protects existing collagen

Sources: Bell peppers, citrus fruits, guava, broccoli, kiwi

B. Amino Acids – The Raw Materials

• Glycine, proline, lysine, and hydroxyproline are the building blocks of collagen

Sources: Bone broth, eggs, chicken skin, tofu, beans, fish, gelatin

C. Zinc and Copper – The Repair Crew

• Help enzymes involved in collagen synthesis and wound healing

Zinc sources: Pumpkin seeds, oysters, beef, lentils
Copper sources: Liver, cashews, shiitake mushrooms, sesame seeds

D. Sulfur – For Collagen Crosslinking

• Found in cruciferous vegetables and onions

Sources: Garlic, onions, cabbage, broccoli, kale

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3. Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

To stop collagen breakdown, calm down inflammation.

🟢 Eat more:

• Fatty fish (sardines, salmon, mackerel)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Berries, turmeric, ginger, leafy greens

These foods reduce inflammatory cytokines that activate collagen-destroying enzymes (MMPs).

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4. Hydrate for Collagen Health

• Collagen holds water in the skin and joints.
• Dehydration causes dryness, stiffness, and loss of elasticity.

💧 Aim for: At least 8 glasses of water a day
🥒 Bonus: Water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, oranges

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5. Bone Broth and Gelatin

• Rich in natural collagen peptides and amino acids
• May improve joint health, skin elasticity, and gut lining

Homemade bone broth (simmered for 12–24 hours) is most effective.

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6. Limit Foods That Damage This Protein

• Ultra-processed foods, seed oils high in omega-6 (e.g., soybean oil), and excess alcohol
• These foods increase oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating collagen breakdown

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Key takeaway:
Instead of reaching for a supplement first, reach for your kitchen knife and cutting board. A protein-protective diet is colorful, clean, and deeply nourishing, helping you look and move better, from the inside out.

V. Lifestyle Changes That Protect Collagen

Even the best diet needs support from your daily habits. Collagen is constantly being broken down and rebuilt, and your lifestyle choices determine which side wins.

Here’s how to keep your collagen strong and resilient with smart, sustainable habits:

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1. Quit Smoking

• Smoking produces toxic free radicals that break down collagen in skin, lungs, and joints.
• It also constricts blood vessels, limiting oxygen and nutrients needed for collagen production.

✅ Tip: Quitting smoking can slow down skin aging and improve wound healing within weeks.

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2. Protect Yourself from the Sun

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the biggest external causes of collagen breakdown.
• It increases enzymes (MMPs) that degrade collagen and elastin.

✅ Tips to protect skin:

• Wear wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• Avoid direct sun during peak hours (10 AM–4 PM)

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3. Reduce Alcohol Intake

• Chronic drinking dehydrates the skin, disrupts sleep, and depletes nutrients like vitamin A, C, and zinc.
• Over time, it promotes collagen degradation in skin, liver, and joints.

✅ Tip: Limit alcohol to 1 drink per day (women) or 2 (men)—or go alcohol-free for added benefit.

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4. Manage Chronic Stress

• Long-term stress raises cortisol, a hormone that blocks collagen formation and weakens skin and joints.
• High cortisol also leads to thinner skin and slower healing.

✅ Ways to lower stress naturally:

• Mindfulness, prayer, and breathwork
• Daily exercise and nature exposure
• Journaling, music, or connecting with loved ones

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5. Get Quality Sleep

• Collagen regeneration happens during deep sleep, especially in the early part of the night.
• Sleep deprivation accelerates skin aging and joint wear.

✅ Tip: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep in a cool, dark room. Avoid screens at least 1 hour before bedtime.

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6. Avoid Overexercising and Joint Overload

• While exercise is good, excessive high-impact workouts can break down collagen faster than it’s rebuilt—especially in joints.
• Inflammation from repetitive strain reduces collagen integrity.

✅ Tip: Balance strength training with recovery, stretching, and anti-inflammatory nutrition.

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7. Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Excess body fat increases inflammatory cytokines, which promote collagen breakdown.
• A lower body fat percentage helps preserve joint and skin collagen longer.

✅ Tip: Combine a whole-food diet with moderate daily movement like walking or bodyweight training.

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8. Support Gut Health

• Your intestines are made of collagen-rich tissue.
• A leaky or inflamed gut reduces nutrient absorption and triggers immune responses that degrade collagen.

✅ Tip: Include fermented foods (kimchi, yogurt), fiber-rich veggies, and collagen-supporting amino acids (from bone broth or gelatin).

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Key takeaway:
You can’t out-supplement a destructive lifestyle. Protecting collagen is about consistent, everyday choices—protecting your skin and joints from the inside and out.

VI. Supplements — Do They Work and Are They Necessary?

With thousands of collagen products lining store shelves and social media feeds, many people wonder: Do I need collagen supplements? The short answer: they can help—but they aren’t magic.

Let’s explore what the research says and when supplements might be useful.

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1. What Are Collagen Supplements Made Of?

Most collagen supplements contain hydrolyzed collagen peptides, also called collagen hydrolysate. These are broken-down fragments of collagen that are easier to absorb in the gut.

Sources may include:

• Bovine collagen (cow)
• Marine collagen (fish)
• Chicken or porcine collagen

Once absorbed, these peptides act more like signals—they don’t directly replace collagen but stimulate your body to make more of its own.

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2. What the Science Says

Several studies suggest that collagen peptides may:

• Improve skin elasticity and hydration
• Reduce joint pain and stiffness
• Support wound healing and tendon strength

✅ Example: A 2019 randomized controlled trial in Nutrients found that women who took 2.5–5 grams of collagen peptides daily for 8 weeks had improved skin elasticity and moisture compared to placebo.
Link to study

However, the results are often modest—and depend heavily on diet and lifestyle.

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3. When Supplements Might Help

• Athletes or older adults with joint pain or slow recovery
• People with poor diets or malabsorption (e.g., after GI surgery)
• During intense healing periods (e.g., post-surgery, major injury)
• Vegans and vegetarians, who may lack glycine, proline, or lysine

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4. Supplements That Support Collagen Production

Even without taking collagen directly, certain nutrients boost your body’s natural collagen production:

🟢 Vitamin C

• Required to synthesize collagen
• Take 500–1000 mg/day (through food or supplement)

🟢 Hyaluronic Acid

• Holds moisture in skin and joints
• Can be taken orally or applied topically

🟢 MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)

• Provides sulfur for crosslinking collagen fibers
• May reduce joint inflammation

🟢 Glucosamine and Chondroitin

• Support joint cartilage structure
• More helpful for osteoarthritis than for skin

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5. Watch Out for These Red Flags

• “Vegan collagen” doesn’t actually contain collagen—it may have plant extracts or precursors.
• Be wary of cheap or unlabeled powders, especially those sold online without third-party testing.
• Some products contain fillers, artificial sweeteners, or heavy metals.

✅ Tip: Look for supplements that are:

• Third-party tested (NSF, USP, or Informed Choice certified)
• Clearly labeled with collagen type and source
• From companies with transparent sourcing

VII. ✅ What to Look For in a Collagen Supplement

1. Type of Collagen

• Type I and III: Best for skin, hair, and bones
• Type II: Best for joints and cartilage
• Multi-type blends may offer broader benefits if well-formulated

📌 Look for labels clearly stating the collagen type and its source (e.g., bovine, marine, chicken).

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2. Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides (Collagen Hydrolysate)

• These are pre-digested for better absorption
• Shown in studies to increase collagen-building amino acids in the bloodstream

📌 “Hydrolyzed” or “peptides” on the label is a good sign.

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3. Third-Party Testing and Certification

• Ensures purity, potency, and absence of contaminants (heavy metals, microbes)
• Look for NSF, USP, Informed Choice, or ISO-certified marks

📌 Especially important when buying online or unfamiliar brands.

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4. Transparent Sourcing

• Ethically sourced (e.g., grass-fed bovine, wild-caught fish)
• No hidden animal byproducts

📌 Trustworthy brands will name the source and explain their process.

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5. Additives That Help (Not Harm)

• Bonus: Vitamin C (enhances collagen production)
• Other helpful ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, zinc, MSM, or biotin

📌 Avoid supplements loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, or colors.

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VIII.❌Red Flags and What to Avoid

• ❗ “Vegan Collagen” — misleading term. Collagen is only found in animals. These products may contain collagen boosters, not collagen itself.
• ❗ No amino acid profile or type listed — possibly low quality or underdosed
• ❗ Proprietary blends with undisclosed amounts — makes it impossible to assess dosage
• ❗ Heavily sweetened powders — often contain artificial flavors, gums, and unnecessary fillers
• ❗ Suspiciously cheap or overhyped products — may be diluted, contaminated, or counterfeit

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📌 Bonus Tip: Dosage Matters

• Clinical trials use 2.5–10 grams per day
• Lower than that may not be effective; higher doses don’t always mean better

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Key takeaway:
Collagen supplements can be a helpful tool, but not a substitute for a collagen-friendly lifestyle. Your body can make its own collagen—if you give it the right nutrients, rest, and protection.

• Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Advanced with Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C
• NAKED Collagen Peptides Protein Powder
• Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder Supplement
• Live Conscious Collagen Peptides Powder
• Physician’s CHOICE Collagen Peptides
• Sports Research Collagen Peptides – Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 Collagen Powder

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

IX. Summary and Key Takeaways

You don’t need expensive creams or trendy powders to protect your collagen. You just need to know what’s breaking it down—and how to stop it.

Collagen is the foundation of your skin, joints, bones, and even gut lining. But everyday habits—like high sugar intake, smoking, too much sun, stress, and poor diet—can silently erode this vital protein.

The good news? You have incredible power to protect and rebuild collagen through simple, lasting changes:

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✅ What Helps Collagen Thrive

• Eating whole foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and antioxidants
• Avoiding excess sugar and processed foods
• Staying hydrated and sleeping well
• Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol
• Managing stress and moving regularly
• Using supplements wisely, when needed

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But here’s the deeper truth:
These lifestyle changes do so much more than just preserve collagen.

They also lower inflammation, balance blood sugar, improve circulation, and reduce your risk for chronic diseases like:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Osteoarthritis and joint degeneration
• Premature skin aging and immune dysfunction

You’re not just fighting wrinkles—you’re fighting for mobility, independence, and long-term health.

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💬 “Taking care of your collagen is really taking care of your entire body. Every healthy choice you make is a brick in the foundation of a stronger, longer, and more vibrant life.”

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Let this be your motivation:
Every time you choose real food, go for a walk, or say no to another cigarette or soda, you’re protecting your future—not just your appearance.

And that is something no supplement alone can ever match.

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📚 References

1. Proksch, E., Schunck, M., Zague, V., Segger, D., Degwert, J., & Oesser, S. “Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Has Beneficial Effects on Human Skin Physiology: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, vol. 27, no. 1, 2014, pp. 47–55. https://doi.org/10.1159/000351376
2. Zague, V. “A New View Concerning the Effects of Collagen Hydrolysate Intake on Skin Properties.” Archives of Dermatological Research, vol. 301, no. 9, 2009, pp. 731–736.
3. Rucker, R. B., Kosonen, T., Clegg, M. S., Mitchell, A. E., Rucker, B. R., Uriu-Hare, J. Y., & Keen, C. L. “Copper, Lysyl Oxidase, and Extracellular Matrix Protein Cross-Linking.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol. 67, no. 5 Suppl, 1998, pp. 996S–1002S. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/67.5.996S
4. Pageon, H., Zucchi, H., Rousset, F., Monnier, V. M., & Asselineau, D. “Skin Aging by Glycation: Lessons from the Skin Equivalent Model.” Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, vol. 43, no. 11, 2005, pp. 1293–1300.
5. Krutmann, J., Bouloc, A., Sore, G., Bernard, B. A., & Passeron, T. “The Skin Aging Exposome.” Journal of Dermatological Science, vol. 85, no. 3, 2017, pp. 152–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2016.09.015
6. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements. “Vitamin C — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.” Updated March 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
7. Wu, J., Fujioka, M., Sugimoto, K., Mu, G., Ishimi, Y., & Yang, N. “Assessment of Effectiveness of Oral Administration of Collagen Peptide on Bone Metabolism in Growing and Mature Rats.” Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, vol. 50, no. 6, 2004, pp. 475–481.
8. Mordor Intelligence. Collagen Supplements Market – Growth, Trends, and Forecast (2024–2030). Accessed May 2, 2025. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/collagen-supplements-market
9. CosmeticsDesign.com. “Lawsuits Over Fake Collagen in Cosmetics Raise Concerns for Industry.” CosmeticsDesign-USA, 14 Oct. 2024. https://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/Article/2024/10/14/lawsuits-over-fake-collagen-in-cosmetics-raise-concerns-for-industry

Image credit: Joint example By Madhero88 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10158699

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