Critical Reasoning

Doctor: Some well-known figures in the medical community have begun to endorse large doses of vitamin supplements - especially folic acid - as part of treatment for diseases like ulcerative colitis. These doctors and television personalities claim that the vitamins can lessen the side effects of ulcerative colitis and lead to an overall improvement in the health of patients with ulcerative colitis. However, there is no evidence that the pure forms of vitamins found in supplements have any greater effect than those found in food. Patients with ulcerative colitis should instead spend their money on buying healthy foods like fruits and vegetables in order to get their vitamins.

Which of the following would most weaken the doctor's argument?


A. Vitamins from supplements are less healthy because they often lack the micronutrients found in food that aid absorption

B. Vitamins do not necessarily cause harm when ingested following the instructions on the label.

C. Many people with ulcerative colitis cannot easily digest vitamin-rich foods due to damage to their digestive system and find it easier to get vitamins from supplements

D. The doctor evaluated the efficacy of different vitamins as part of a government-sponsored panel

E. Individuals with severe ulcerative colitis are often encouraged to consume fruit and vegetable juices alongside their supplements.

OA C

Source: Veritas Prep