In a recent consumer protection investigation, researchers examined vitamin C supplements that were marketed with "natural" labeling claims. The testi...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In a recent consumer protection investigation, researchers examined vitamin C supplements that were marketed with "natural" labeling claims. The testing focused on bioflavonoid content, which serves as a key indicator of authenticity in natural vitamin sources. While vitamin C from fruits and vegetables naturally contains these beneficial compounds, synthetic laboratory production creates ascorbic acid without bioflavonoids. The 2023 analysis revealed concerning results: multiple products bearing natural claims contained no measurable bioflavonoids despite showing the high ascorbic acid concentrations characteristic of synthetic manufacturing processes. This finding led the researchers to conclude that ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
the manufacturers used synthetic vitamin C rather than natural sources in some of the supplements examined in the study.
the supplements examined in the study are the first known examples of mislabeled natural vitamin C products.
the manufacturers preferred to use synthetic vitamin C because it provides better health benefits than natural sources.
the vitamin C used by the manufacturers likely came from synthetic sources because natural sources were expensive to obtain.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In a recent consumer protection investigation, researchers examined vitamin C supplements that were marketed with 'natural' labeling claims." |
|
| "The testing focused on bioflavonoid content, which serves as a key indicator of authenticity in natural vitamin sources." |
|
| "While vitamin C from fruits and vegetables naturally contains these beneficial compounds, synthetic laboratory production creates ascorbic acid without bioflavonoids." |
|
| "The 2023 analysis revealed concerning results:" |
|
| "multiple products bearing natural claims contained no measurable bioflavonoids despite showing the high ascorbic acid concentrations characteristic of synthetic manufacturing processes." |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: A consumer protection study found that vitamin C supplements labeled as "natural" showed chemical signatures of synthetic production rather than natural sources.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes that bioflavonoids distinguish natural from synthetic vitamin C, then reveals that products claiming to be natural actually showed synthetic characteristics (no bioflavonoids, high ascorbic acid), leading to a logical conclusion about what the manufacturers actually used.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The evidence shows that products labeled "natural" had zero bioflavonoids but high ascorbic acid concentrations typical of synthetic manufacturing
- Since we know that natural sources contain bioflavonoids and synthetic sources don't, the logical conclusion is about the actual source of the vitamin C in these products
- The right answer should directly state that the manufacturers used synthetic vitamin C instead of natural sources, since that's what the chemical evidence clearly indicates
the manufacturers used synthetic vitamin C rather than natural sources in some of the supplements examined in the study.
✓ Correct
- This directly follows from the evidence—products labeled "natural" showed the chemical signature of synthetic vitamin C (no bioflavonoids, high ascorbic acid)
the supplements examined in the study are the first known examples of mislabeled natural vitamin C products.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims these are the "first known examples" of mislabeled natural vitamin C
- The passage gives no information about whether similar problems existed before
the manufacturers preferred to use synthetic vitamin C because it provides better health benefits than natural sources.
✗ Incorrect
- Suggests manufacturers chose synthetic because it provides "better health benefits"
- The passage discusses only chemical composition for authenticity, not health benefits
the vitamin C used by the manufacturers likely came from synthetic sources because natural sources were expensive to obtain.
✗ Incorrect
- Speculates that synthetic was used because natural sources were "expensive to obtain"
- The passage provides no information about cost considerations or pricing