556 - Logical Reasoning

Lycopene, glutathione, and glutamine are powerful antioxidants that neutralize the free radicals that are produced in the body as a result of routine bodily processes. An excess of these free radicals in your system causes rapid aging because they accelerate the rate of cellular damage. Aging is simply the result of this damage. Thus, to slow down aging it is necessary to supplement your diet with these antioxidants on a daily basis.
Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the author's contention?

1. Most persons aren't concerned with the effects of aging until it is too late to do anything.
2. Exercise associated with normal daily activities effectively neutralizes and dissipates the free radicals that are produced as a result of routine bodily processes.
3. The cost of antioxidants is exorbitantly high and well beyond the budget of most consumers.
4. Only overweight people who do not exercise on a daily basis are likely to have an excess of free radicals in their systems.
5. Smoking cigarettes is one of the main causes of cellular damage in humans.