Why are vitamins A and D often added to milk?

Vitamins A and D are added to milk primarily to enhance its nutritional value and promote health benefits. Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health, while vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, bone health, and overall immune system support. By fortifying milk with these vitamins, producers help ensure that consumers receive important nutrients that may be lacking in their diets. This practice aims to improve public health by addressing nutritional deficiencies that can lead to various health issues.

The other reasons commonly associated with milk, such as taste enhancement or color change, do not align with the primary purpose of vitamin fortification. Additionally, lactose content reduction pertains to lactose intolerance management, which is a separate focus and not a direct result of adding vitamins.