Milk, cheese, and eggs are commonly consumed food items that not only provide us with energy but also supply the body with a wide range of essential nutrients. When we carefully examine their nutritional composition, we find that apart from proteins, fats, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus, they are particularly valuable as sources of certain fat-soluble vitamins.
Step 1 — Role of Milk:
Milk is a highly balanced food that naturally contains Vitamin A in significant amounts. Vitamin A in milk contributes to good vision, supports the immune system, and maintains healthy skin and mucous membranes. In addition, milk is often fortified with Vitamin D, which helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphate, thereby making bones and teeth strong. Thus, milk acts as an excellent carrier of both Vitamin A and Vitamin D.
Step 2 — Role of Cheese:
Cheese, being a concentrated product of milk, contains all the fat-soluble vitamins present in milk but in higher concentration because water content is reduced during cheese making. This means that cheese is particularly rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin D. Vitamin A supports growth and reproduction, while Vitamin D prevents rickets, osteomalacia, and plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density. Therefore, cheese becomes one of the richest dairy sources of these two vitamins.
Step 3 — Role of Eggs:
Eggs, especially the yolk, are an excellent natural source of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. The yolk contains retinol (a form of Vitamin A) that contributes to healthy eyes and cell growth. It also provides Vitamin D, which is very helpful in maintaining calcium balance in the body. Since eggs are not only affordable but also widely available, they become an important dietary contributor of these vitamins, especially in populations where sunlight exposure (for natural Vitamin D synthesis) is limited.
Step 4 — Why A & D are emphasized here:
Both Vitamin A and Vitamin D belong to the group of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Out of these, A and D are present in significant amounts in milk, cheese, and eggs. Vitamin E is present only in small amounts, while Vitamin K is negligible in these items. That is why these three food items are specifically recognized as sources of Vitamins A and D.
Final Answer:
Therefore, milk, cheese, and eggs are rich and reliable sources of Vitamin A and Vitamin D, which are essential for healthy vision, strong bones, immunity, and overall growth and development.