LSAT Explanation PT 34, S2, Q19: People should avoid taking the antacid

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following is most strongly supported by the information above? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is D. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the passage and clarify any confusing parts. The passage states that people should avoid taking the antacid calcium carbonate in doses larger than half a gram. This is because, while calcium carbonate can neutralize stomach acids, it can also increase the calcium level in the blood and impair kidney function. Additionally, just half a gram of calcium carbonate can stimulate the production of gastrin, a stomach hormone that triggers acid secretion.

Now, let's look at the question, which is a Most Strongly Supported (MSS) question. It asks us to identify the statement that is most strongly supported by the information provided in the passage.

a) Cessation of gastrin production is a more effective method of controlling excess stomach acid than is direct neutralization of stomach acid.

- This answer choice is not strongly supported by the passage. The passage does not provide a comparison of the efficacy of stopping gastrin production versus directly neutralizing stomach acid.

b) People who avoid taking more than half a gram of calcium carbonate are less likely than average to suffer from impaired kidney function.

- This answer choice is not strongly supported by the passage either. The passage only tells us what happens when people take more than half a gram of calcium carbonate, but it does not provide information on the average likelihood of suffering from impaired kidney function or the effects of taking less than half a gram.

c) Doses of calcium carbonate smaller than half a gram can reduce stomach acid more effectively than much larger doses do.

- This answer choice is tempting, but not strongly supported by the passage. The passage does not provide information about the effectiveness of smaller doses of calcium carbonate in reducing stomach acid compared to larger doses.

d) Half a gram of calcium carbonate can causally contribute to both the secretion and the neutralization of stomach acids.

- This answer choice is the correct one, as it is most strongly supported by the passage. The passage states that half a gram of calcium carbonate can stimulate the production of gastrin, which triggers acid secretion, and that calcium carbonate has the capacity to neutralize stomach acids.

e) Impaired kidney function may increase the level of calcium in the blood.

- This answer choice is not strongly supported by the passage, as it reverses the information provided. The passage states that calcium carbonate can increase the calcium level in the blood and impair kidney function, but it does not mention the reverse relationship.

In summary, the correct answer is (d), as it is most strongly supported by the information provided in the passage.