SC -- Vit E excess

[mcmebk]

Hi,

What does "found naturally" imply? How can something be found naturally?

It would make more sense "found in a naturally balanced diet..."?

Thanks.

[jlucero]

Naturally can be used as a synonym for normally, so its use is ok here. In fact, you can't move "naturally" into the prepositional phrase as it changes what the word modifies from "found" to "balanced". Analogy:

The mineral is found naturally in calm water
The mineral is found in naturally calm water (how can something be naturally calm?)

[77044388]

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.

Dear Ron, would you please explain how "of developing certain illnesses" can be right. Based on my understanding, GMAC do not like the kind of structure --"prep + doing + noun", thanks~!