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Sushi and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Eating sushi during pregnancy requires some extra care, but you don’t have to give it up entirely. The main concerns are the risks of foodborne illness from raw fish and the potential for high mercury exposure. Here’s how you can enjoy sushi more safely while pregnant.
Why Raw Sushi Is Not Recommended
Risks of Foodborne Illness and Parasites
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Raw or undercooked fish (including sushi and sashimi) is more likely to contain bacteria or parasites, such as Listeria, Salmonella, or worms, which can cause serious illness in pregnancy. These infections can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns.
Can I eat sushi while I’m pregnant? | ACOGYou should avoid all raw or undercooked fish when you’re pregnant, though many types of fish are safe to eat when fully cooked. Raw fish, including sushi and sashimi, are more likely to contain parasites or bacteria than fully cooked fish. Read Nutrition During Pregnancy and Listeria and ...Eating Raw, Undercooked, or Cold Meats and Seafood - MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets - NCBI BookshelfToxoplasmosis in pregnancy, a rare clinical manifestation: a case report. Obstet Gynecol Cancer Res 2(1):e10091 · New York State Department of Health: Advice on Eating Game, 2014, https://www ... Novotny L, et al. 2004. Fish: a potential source of bacterial pathogens for human beings.Read full articleSource: ncbi.nlm.nih.govSushi in pregnancy, parasitic diseases - obstetrician survey - PubMedParasites from raw fish can lead to a wide range of clinical manifestations and can be challenging to treat in pregnancy as result of medication exposure of the foetus. We surveyed obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) in the U.S. to determine their knowledge about the consumption of raw fish ...Read full articleSource: PubMedAdvice about Eating Fish | FDAThis advice can help those who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as parents and caregivers who are feeding children make informed choices when it comes to the types of fish that are nutritious and safe to eat.Can Pregnant Women Eat Sushi? Safe Options and MoreCooked rolls, if heated to a temperature of 145°F, are OK to eat during pregnancy if made with low-mercury fish. ... “Fish high in mercury tends to have mercury levels of more than 0.3 parts per million,” says Valle. However, a California roll, which is one of the more popular sushi rolls, ...Read full articleSource: HealthlineCan Pregnant Women Eat Sushi?Visit sushi bars known for high safety standards and fresh ingredients, urges Gaither. Consider avoiding buffets, since food can sometimes sit out for too long and become contaminated, adds Chapa. Sushiduringpregnancy doesn’t need to be a no-go—if you take a few precautions.Read full articleSource: The BumpEating sushi while pregnant? Here's how to make it safe | BabyCenterYes, sushi with cooked fish is safe during pregnancy – with one caveat. It's important that the restaurant staff avoids cross-contamination from raw fish. Sushi with cooked ingredients should be prepared on different surfaces and with different utensils.Read full articleSource: BabyCenterSafe Sushi Rolls to Eat During Pregnancy – What to Know Before You OrderHere are some types of sushi rolls that are generally safe for expectant mothers: ... These rolls are completely plant-based and pose no risk of raw fish or mercury. Popular options include ... These light and refreshing choices are packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats-perfect for ...Read full articleSource: paperfishsushi.comCan You Eat Sushi While Pregnant?If you're craving a spicy tuna roll, you might be tempted to visit your local sushi restaurant. But guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is clear: People should avoid uncooked sushi during pregnancy.Read full articleSource: Parents
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Freezing fish can kill some parasites but does not eliminate all bacteria or viruses that can cause illness.
Eating sushi while pregnant? Here's how to make it safe | BabyCenterYes, sushi with cooked fish is safe during pregnancy – with one caveat. It's important that the restaurant staff avoids cross-contamination from raw fish. Sushi with cooked ingredients should be prepared on different surfaces and with different utensils.Read full articleSource: BabyCenter
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Your immune system is naturally less robust during pregnancy, making you more susceptible to foodborne illness.
Advice about Eating Fish | FDAThis advice can help those who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as parents and caregivers who are feeding children make informed choices when it comes to the types of fish that are nutritious and safe to eat.Can Pregnant Women Eat Sushi? Safe Options and MoreCooked rolls, if heated to a temperature of 145°F, are OK to eat during pregnancy if made with low-mercury fish. ... “Fish high in mercury tends to have mercury levels of more than 0.3 parts per million,” says Valle. However, a California roll, which is one of the more popular sushi rolls, ...Read full articleSource: HealthlineSafe Sushi Rolls to Eat During Pregnancy – What to Know Before You OrderHere are some types of sushi rolls that are generally safe for expectant mothers: ... These rolls are completely plant-based and pose no risk of raw fish or mercury. Popular options include ... These light and refreshing choices are packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats-perfect for ...Read full articleSource: paperfishsushi.comCan You Eat Sushi While Pregnant?If you're craving a spicy tuna roll, you might be tempted to visit your local sushi restaurant. But guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is clear: People should avoid uncooked sushi during pregnancy.Read full articleSource: Parents
Safer Sushi Choices
Cooked and Vegetarian Options
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Sushi made with cooked fish or seafood (such as shrimp tempura, cooked eel/unagi, or imitation crab in California rolls) is considered safe if prepared in a clean environment and handled properly.
Sushi During Pregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Toppings【Supervised by doctor】Learn about safe and unsafe sushi toppings duringpregnancy. |SushiDuringPregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Toppings【Supervised by doctor】 | ENRead full articleSource: hiro-clinic.or.jpCoffee, sushi, and wine: What’s safe during pregnancy? | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterThe current guidelines suggest that pregnant women can safely eat three servings a week (up to 12 ounces total) of shrimp, salmon, catfish, and other fatty fish. It’s even safe for most pregnant women to eat sushi in the U.S., provided it’s prepared in a clean environment.Can Pregnant Women Eat Sushi? Safe Options and MoreCooked rolls, if heated to a temperature of 145°F, are OK to eat during pregnancy if made with low-mercury fish. ... “Fish high in mercury tends to have mercury levels of more than 0.3 parts per million,” says Valle. However, a California roll, which is one of the more popular sushi rolls, ...Read full articleSource: HealthlineCan Pregnant Women Eat Sushi?Visit sushi bars known for high safety standards and fresh ingredients, urges Gaither. Consider avoiding buffets, since food can sometimes sit out for too long and become contaminated, adds Chapa. Sushiduringpregnancy doesn’t need to be a no-go—if you take a few precautions.Read full articleSource: The BumpEating sushi while pregnant? Here's how to make it safe | BabyCenterYes, sushi with cooked fish is safe during pregnancy – with one caveat. It's important that the restaurant staff avoids cross-contamination from raw fish. Sushi with cooked ingredients should be prepared on different surfaces and with different utensils.Read full articleSource: BabyCenterSafe Sushi Rolls to Eat During Pregnancy – What to Know Before You OrderHere are some types of sushi rolls that are generally safe for expectant mothers: ... These rolls are completely plant-based and pose no risk of raw fish or mercury. Popular options include ... These light and refreshing choices are packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats-perfect for ...Read full articleSource: paperfishsushi.comCan You Eat Sushi While Pregnant?If you're craving a spicy tuna roll, you might be tempted to visit your local sushi restaurant. But guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is clear: People should avoid uncooked sushi during pregnancy.Read full articleSource: Parents
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Vegetarian sushi (like avocado, cucumber, or sweet egg/tamago rolls) is also a safe choice.
Safe Sushi Rolls to Eat During Pregnancy – What to Know Before You OrderHere are some types of sushi rolls that are generally safe for expectant mothers: ... These rolls are completely plant-based and pose no risk of raw fish or mercury. Popular options include ... These light and refreshing choices are packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats-perfect for ...Read full articleSource: paperfishsushi.com
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Always ensure that cooked sushi is prepared separately from raw fish to avoid cross-contamination.
Eating sushi while pregnant? Here's how to make it safe | BabyCenterYes, sushi with cooked fish is safe during pregnancy – with one caveat. It's important that the restaurant staff avoids cross-contamination from raw fish. Sushi with cooked ingredients should be prepared on different surfaces and with different utensils.Read full articleSource: BabyCenter
Mercury Considerations
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Some fish used in sushi (like tuna, swordfish, king mackerel, and shark) are high in mercury, which can affect fetal brain development. It’s recommended to avoid or limit these types even if cooked.
Sushi During Pregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Toppings【Supervised by doctor】Learn about safe and unsafe sushi toppings duringpregnancy. |SushiDuringPregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Toppings【Supervised by doctor】 | ENRead full articleSource: hiro-clinic.or.jpFoods to avoid in pregnancy - NHSFind out what food and drink you can have and what you should avoid or be careful with duringpregnancy, such as some cheeses, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, caffeine and alcohol.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukAdvice about Eating Fish | FDAThis advice can help those who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as parents and caregivers who are feeding children make informed choices when it comes to the types of fish that are nutritious and safe to eat.Can Pregnant Women Eat Sushi? Safe Options and MoreCooked rolls, if heated to a temperature of 145°F, are OK to eat during pregnancy if made with low-mercury fish. ... “Fish high in mercury tends to have mercury levels of more than 0.3 parts per million,” says Valle. However, a California roll, which is one of the more popular sushi rolls, ...Read full articleSource: HealthlineCan Pregnant Women Eat Sushi?Visit sushi bars known for high safety standards and fresh ingredients, urges Gaither. Consider avoiding buffets, since food can sometimes sit out for too long and become contaminated, adds Chapa. Sushiduringpregnancy doesn’t need to be a no-go—if you take a few precautions.Read full articleSource: The BumpSafe Sushi Rolls to Eat During Pregnancy – What to Know Before You OrderHere are some types of sushi rolls that are generally safe for expectant mothers: ... These rolls are completely plant-based and pose no risk of raw fish or mercury. Popular options include ... These light and refreshing choices are packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats-perfect for ...Read full articleSource: paperfishsushi.comCan You Eat Sushi While Pregnant?If you're craving a spicy tuna roll, you might be tempted to visit your local sushi restaurant. But guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is clear: People should avoid uncooked sushi during pregnancy.Read full articleSource: Parents
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Opt for low-mercury fish such as salmon, shrimp, or crab, and limit servings according to guidelines (usually 2–3 servings of low-mercury fish per week).
Advice about Eating Fish | FDAThis advice can help those who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as parents and caregivers who are feeding children make informed choices when it comes to the types of fish that are nutritious and safe to eat.Foods to avoid in pregnancy - NHSFind out what food and drink you can have and what you should avoid or be careful with duringpregnancy, such as some cheeses, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, caffeine and alcohol.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukCan Pregnant Women Eat Sushi? Safe Options and MoreCooked rolls, if heated to a temperature of 145°F, are OK to eat during pregnancy if made with low-mercury fish. ... “Fish high in mercury tends to have mercury levels of more than 0.3 parts per million,” says Valle. However, a California roll, which is one of the more popular sushi rolls, ...Read full articleSource: HealthlineCan Pregnant Women Eat Sushi?Visit sushi bars known for high safety standards and fresh ingredients, urges Gaither. Consider avoiding buffets, since food can sometimes sit out for too long and become contaminated, adds Chapa. Sushiduringpregnancy doesn’t need to be a no-go—if you take a few precautions.Read full articleSource: The BumpCan You Eat Sushi While Pregnant?If you're craving a spicy tuna roll, you might be tempted to visit your local sushi restaurant. But guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is clear: People should avoid uncooked sushi during pregnancy.Read full articleSource: Parents
What to Avoid
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All sushi with raw or undercooked fish or shellfish
Can I eat sushi while I’m pregnant? | ACOGYou should avoid all raw or undercooked fish when you’re pregnant, though many types of fish are safe to eat when fully cooked. Raw fish, including sushi and sashimi, are more likely to contain parasites or bacteria than fully cooked fish. Read Nutrition During Pregnancy and Listeria and ...Eating Raw, Undercooked, or Cold Meats and Seafood - MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets - NCBI BookshelfToxoplasmosis in pregnancy, a rare clinical manifestation: a case report. Obstet Gynecol Cancer Res 2(1):e10091 · New York State Department of Health: Advice on Eating Game, 2014, https://www ... Novotny L, et al. 2004. Fish: a potential source of bacterial pathogens for human beings.Read full articleSource: ncbi.nlm.nih.govSushi in pregnancy, parasitic diseases - obstetrician survey - PubMedParasites from raw fish can lead to a wide range of clinical manifestations and can be challenging to treat in pregnancy as result of medication exposure of the foetus. We surveyed obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) in the U.S. to determine their knowledge about the consumption of raw fish ...Read full articleSource: PubMedAdvice about Eating Fish | FDAThis advice can help those who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as parents and caregivers who are feeding children make informed choices when it comes to the types of fish that are nutritious and safe to eat.Can Pregnant Women Eat Sushi? Safe Options and MoreCooked rolls, if heated to a temperature of 145°F, are OK to eat during pregnancy if made with low-mercury fish. ... “Fish high in mercury tends to have mercury levels of more than 0.3 parts per million,” says Valle. However, a California roll, which is one of the more popular sushi rolls, ...Read full articleSource: HealthlineCan Pregnant Women Eat Sushi?Visit sushi bars known for high safety standards and fresh ingredients, urges Gaither. Consider avoiding buffets, since food can sometimes sit out for too long and become contaminated, adds Chapa. Sushiduringpregnancy doesn’t need to be a no-go—if you take a few precautions.Read full articleSource: The BumpEating sushi while pregnant? Here's how to make it safe | BabyCenterYes, sushi with cooked fish is safe during pregnancy – with one caveat. It's important that the restaurant staff avoids cross-contamination from raw fish. Sushi with cooked ingredients should be prepared on different surfaces and with different utensils.Read full articleSource: BabyCenterSafe Sushi Rolls to Eat During Pregnancy – What to Know Before You OrderHere are some types of sushi rolls that are generally safe for expectant mothers: ... These rolls are completely plant-based and pose no risk of raw fish or mercury. Popular options include ... These light and refreshing choices are packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats-perfect for ...Read full articleSource: paperfishsushi.comCan You Eat Sushi While Pregnant?If you're craving a spicy tuna roll, you might be tempted to visit your local sushi restaurant. But guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is clear: People should avoid uncooked sushi during pregnancy.Read full articleSource: Parents
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Cold-smoked or cured fish (like smoked salmon or gravlax) unless it’s cooked until steaming hot
Advice about Eating Fish | FDAThis advice can help those who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as parents and caregivers who are feeding children make informed choices when it comes to the types of fish that are nutritious and safe to eat.Foods to avoid in pregnancy - NHSFind out what food and drink you can have and what you should avoid or be careful with duringpregnancy, such as some cheeses, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, caffeine and alcohol.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
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High-mercury fish, even if cooked
Sushi During Pregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Toppings【Supervised by doctor】Learn about safe and unsafe sushi toppings duringpregnancy. |SushiDuringPregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Toppings【Supervised by doctor】 | ENRead full articleSource: hiro-clinic.or.jpFoods to avoid in pregnancy - NHSFind out what food and drink you can have and what you should avoid or be careful with duringpregnancy, such as some cheeses, meats, fish, eggs, nuts, caffeine and alcohol.Read full articleSource: nhs.ukAdvice about Eating Fish | FDAThis advice can help those who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding as well as parents and caregivers who are feeding children make informed choices when it comes to the types of fish that are nutritious and safe to eat.Can Pregnant Women Eat Sushi? Safe Options and MoreCooked rolls, if heated to a temperature of 145°F, are OK to eat during pregnancy if made with low-mercury fish. ... “Fish high in mercury tends to have mercury levels of more than 0.3 parts per million,” says Valle. However, a California roll, which is one of the more popular sushi rolls, ...Read full articleSource: HealthlineCan Pregnant Women Eat Sushi?Visit sushi bars known for high safety standards and fresh ingredients, urges Gaither. Consider avoiding buffets, since food can sometimes sit out for too long and become contaminated, adds Chapa. Sushiduringpregnancy doesn’t need to be a no-go—if you take a few precautions.Read full articleSource: The BumpSafe Sushi Rolls to Eat During Pregnancy – What to Know Before You OrderHere are some types of sushi rolls that are generally safe for expectant mothers: ... These rolls are completely plant-based and pose no risk of raw fish or mercury. Popular options include ... These light and refreshing choices are packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats-perfect for ...Read full articleSource: paperfishsushi.comCan You Eat Sushi While Pregnant?If you're craving a spicy tuna roll, you might be tempted to visit your local sushi restaurant. But guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is clear: People should avoid uncooked sushi during pregnancy.Read full articleSource: Parents
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Seared fish, which is often only partially cooked
Eating sushi while pregnant? Here's how to make it safe | BabyCenterYes, sushi with cooked fish is safe during pregnancy – with one caveat. It's important that the restaurant staff avoids cross-contamination from raw fish. Sushi with cooked ingredients should be prepared on different surfaces and with different utensils.Read full articleSource: BabyCenter
Tips for Eating Sushi Safely
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Choose reputable restaurants with high food safety standards.
Eating sushi while pregnant? Here's how to make it safe | BabyCenterYes, sushi with cooked fish is safe during pregnancy – with one caveat. It's important that the restaurant staff avoids cross-contamination from raw fish. Sushi with cooked ingredients should be prepared on different surfaces and with different utensils.Read full articleSource: BabyCenterCoffee, sushi, and wine: What’s safe during pregnancy? | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical CenterThe current guidelines suggest that pregnant women can safely eat three servings a week (up to 12 ounces total) of shrimp, salmon, catfish, and other fatty fish. It’s even safe for most pregnant women to eat sushi in the U.S., provided it’s prepared in a clean environment.
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Ask about preparation methods and ingredients, especially for mixed or specialty rolls.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Sushi? Safe Options and MoreCooked rolls, if heated to a temperature of 145°F, are OK to eat during pregnancy if made with low-mercury fish. ... “Fish high in mercury tends to have mercury levels of more than 0.3 parts per million,” says Valle. However, a California roll, which is one of the more popular sushi rolls, ...Read full articleSource: HealthlineCan Pregnant Women Eat Sushi?Visit sushi bars known for high safety standards and fresh ingredients, urges Gaither. Consider avoiding buffets, since food can sometimes sit out for too long and become contaminated, adds Chapa. Sushiduringpregnancy doesn’t need to be a no-go—if you take a few precautions.Read full articleSource: The BumpEating sushi while pregnant? Here's how to make it safe | BabyCenterYes, sushi with cooked fish is safe during pregnancy – with one caveat. It's important that the restaurant staff avoids cross-contamination from raw fish. Sushi with cooked ingredients should be prepared on different surfaces and with different utensils.Read full articleSource: BabyCenter
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Limit sodium intake from soy sauce, which can be high in salt.
Eating sushi while pregnant? Here's how to make it safe | BabyCenterYes, sushi with cooked fish is safe during pregnancy – with one caveat. It's important that the restaurant staff avoids cross-contamination from raw fish. Sushi with cooked ingredients should be prepared on different surfaces and with different utensils.Read full articleSource: BabyCenterSushi During Pregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Toppings【Supervised by doctor】Learn about safe and unsafe sushi toppings duringpregnancy. |SushiDuringPregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Toppings【Supervised by doctor】 | ENRead full articleSource: hiro-clinic.or.jpSafe Sushi Rolls to Eat During Pregnancy – What to Know Before You OrderHere are some types of sushi rolls that are generally safe for expectant mothers: ... These rolls are completely plant-based and pose no risk of raw fish or mercury. Popular options include ... These light and refreshing choices are packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats-perfect for ...Read full articleSource: paperfishsushi.com
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Pair sushi with vegetables or seaweed salad for a more balanced meal.
Safe Sushi Rolls to Eat During Pregnancy – What to Know Before You OrderHere are some types of sushi rolls that are generally safe for expectant mothers: ... These rolls are completely plant-based and pose no risk of raw fish or mercury. Popular options include ... These light and refreshing choices are packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats-perfect for ...Read full articleSource: paperfishsushi.comSushi During Pregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Toppings【Supervised by doctor】Learn about safe and unsafe sushi toppings duringpregnancy. |SushiDuringPregnancy: Safe and Unsafe Toppings【Supervised by doctor】 | ENRead full articleSource: hiro-clinic.or.jp
If You Accidentally Ate Raw Sushi
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If you’ve already eaten raw sushi, try not to worry. The risk of illness is still low, but let your healthcare provider know, especially if you develop symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Can Pregnant Women Eat Sushi? Safe Options and MoreCooked rolls, if heated to a temperature of 145°F, are OK to eat during pregnancy if made with low-mercury fish. ... “Fish high in mercury tends to have mercury levels of more than 0.3 parts per million,” says Valle. However, a California roll, which is one of the more popular sushi rolls, ...Read full articleSource: Healthline
Enjoying Sushi While Pregnant
You can still enjoy sushi by choosing cooked or vegetarian options and avoiding high-mercury fish and raw seafood. These choices allow you to satisfy cravings while minimizing risks to you and your baby. If you have questions about specific menu items or want more personalized advice, your OB/GYN can help guide you based on your health and preferences.
Making Informed Choices for You and Your Baby
Sushi can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet if you stick to cooked or vegetarian options and avoid raw fish and high-mercury species. Paying attention to preparation and food safety helps you enjoy your favorite foods with confidence during pregnancy.Peer-Reviewed Research
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