Dermatologists now believe that potassium intake can lead to a better facial complexion. They base this conclusion on a recent study in which subjects who ate a banana, a major source of potassium, with breakfast each morning had fewer acne-related facial blemishes than subjects who did not eat a banana with breakfast each morning.
Which of the following, if true, provides the most additional support for the conclusion?The conclusion is that potassium helps improve facial complexion. But the study only shows that people who ate bananas had fewer blemishes. So the key issue is whether
something other than potassium in bananas could explain the result. The best support will rule out other major banana ingredients.
(A) None of the subjects who refrained from eating bananas with breakfast had previously eaten bananas with breakfast on a regular basis.
This does not help much. It says something about their earlier habits, not about what in bananas caused the difference.
(B) Eating patterns after breakfast will have a greater effect on acne levels.
This weakens the conclusion if anything. It suggests breakfast bananas may not matter much.
(C) The researchers who conducted the study plan to verify the results by conducting two similar studies in the future.
This does not support the conclusion now. A future plan is not evidence.
(D) The intake of vitamin C and fiber, the other major elements found in bananas, has been shown to have no correlation with facial complexion.
This is the best answer.
It strengthens the conclusion by ruling out the main alternative explanations. If the other major components of bananas are not connected to complexion, then potassium becomes the most likely reason the banana-eating group had fewer blemishes.
(E) Facial washing is an alternative approach to acne treatment.
This is irrelevant. The question is about whether potassium helps, not whether some other treatment exists.
Answer: (D)