Vitamin /ˈvɪtəmɪn/ (n.) – any of various organic substances essential in small quantities to the nutrition of most animals and plants.
Synonyms: nutrient, supplement, micronutrient
Antonyms: toxin, poison
Essential vitamins and supplements for health and nutrition
Understanding Vitamin Terminology in IELTS Context
The term “vitamin” frequently appears in IELTS Reading and Speaking tests, particularly in health-related passages. Understanding its various contexts and related vocabulary is crucial for achieving a high score. A proper dose of vitamin-related vocabulary can significantly enhance your performance in the exam.
Common Collocations with “Vitamin”
- Vitamin deficiency
- Vitamin supplements
- Essential vitamins
- Vitamin-rich foods
- Daily vitamin intake
Example: “A vitamin deficiency can lead to various health issues, including anemia in severe cases.”
Vitamin-Related Vocabulary in IELTS Tasks
IELTS Reading
Common contexts include:
- Scientific articles about nutrition
- Health studies
- Medical research papers
Example from a past IELTS reading passage:
“Research indicates that adequate vitamin D intake is crucial for osteoporosis prevention in elderly populations.”
IELTS Writing Task 2
Sample Task: Some people believe that vitamin supplements are essential for good health, while others argue that a balanced diet provides all necessary nutrients. Discuss both views.
Key vocabulary applications:
- Dietary requirements
- Nutritional value
- Natural sources
- Synthetic supplements
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Question examples:
- How important are vitamins in maintaining good health?
- Do you think people in your country get enough vitamins from their diet?
Sample answer: “I believe that vitamin intake through preventive care measures is crucial for maintaining optimal health.”
Medical illustration showing vitamin deficiency symptoms and effects
Useful Idioms and Expressions
- “Worth its weight in vitamins” – extremely valuable for health
- “A vitamin boost” – sudden increase in energy
- “Vitamin junkie” – someone obsessed with taking supplements
- “The vitamin blues” – feeling down due to deficiency
- “Packed with vitamins” – very nutritious
Example: “After feeling exhausted for weeks, the new supplement gave me quite a vitamin boost.”
Key Study Points
- Remember to use precise terminology when discussing different types of vitamins
- Practice incorporating vitamin-related vocabulary in health discussions
- Focus on scientific context and medical terminology
- Study common collocations and their proper usage
- Master relevant academic vocabulary for Writing Task 2
Practice using these terms in context to enhance your IELTS performance and demonstrate sophisticated vocabulary usage in health-related topics.
