Final answer:
Milk is packaged in cardboard cartons to protect Vitamin D from light exposure, which can destroy the vitamin. This fortification is important as Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption and is not found in many natural food sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason that milk comes in cardboard cartons is primarily to prevent the destruction of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is sensitive to light, and exposure can lead to its degradation. Milk is a vital source of calcium, and vitamin D is often added to enhance the absorption of calcium from the intestine, thus maintaining normal calcium concentration in the body. Since vitamin D is not naturally found in many foods, fortified milk is a crucial source of this nutrient. In addition, milk provides other vital nutrients for development and growth, making it a beneficial beverage in general.