MGMAT2 - Vitamin E - Answer choice is a bit weird.

[gmatrant]

Recent studies suggest that an intake of vitamin E in excess of that found naturally in a balanced diet may actually increase the risk of developing certain illnesses, despite the claims of thousands of people who swear by it as a dietary supplement.

a. Recent studies suggest that an intake of vitamin E in excess of that found naturally in a balanced diet may actually increase the risk of developing certain illnesses

b. Recent studies suggest that taking vitamin E in excess of that found naturally in a balanced diet actually increases the risk of developing certain illnesses

c. Certain illnesses may be at a higher risk of development if vitamin E is taken in excess of a balanced diet, according to recent studies

d. According to recent studies, the intake of vitamin E, if in excess of that found naturally in a balanced diet, may actually increase developing certain illnesses

e. Vitamin E, recent studies suggest, if in excess of that found naturally in a balanced diet, may actually increase the development risk of certain illnesses

Why is A better than B?

Also in the non underlined portion of the sentence 'it' should refer to Vitamin E.
B is a better choice as the subject is Vitamin E and 'it' refers to vitamin E - "swear by it as a dietary supplement", whereas in choice A 'it' is refereed to "intake of vitamin E" and this is the subject of the sentence in A.

[dhavaldesai.7]

In my opinion,

issues with Choice B.

that taking vitamin E.....increases the risk....looks awkward
shift from "may actually increase" to "actually increases"!!!!

[sudhanshu.jha03]

There is a minor diff b/w a and b

a. Recent studies suggest that an intake of vitamin E in excess of that found naturally in a balanced diet may actually increase the risk of developing certain illnesses

b. Recent studies suggest that taking vitamin E in excess of that found naturally in a balanced diet actually increases the risk of developing certain illnesses

in b "may" is not there which changes the meaning.
a shows probability....bt b dnt..

Hope it helps !

[tim]

Yes, the big issue with B is that it claims the risk is definitely increased, which is not what this sentence is going for..