Our scientifically selected, premium key ingredients form the foundation of Little Étoile Nutrition – supporting holistic development for your child, from growth and cognition to immunity and overall wellbeing.
lutein
Lutein is a natural antioxidant that protects the eyes and vision by filtering blue light from screens and sunlight.
- Naturally derived – plant derived source from marigold flowers.
- Proven ingredient – backed by more than 25 years of eye health research.
- Gentle & effective – easily absorbed by the body.
- Trusted quality – supplied as a patented form for consistency and safety.
Lutein is carefully extracted from the vibrant petals of marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta). This plant is the only FSANZ-approved natural source of lutein. A gentle, specialised process is used to separate the lutein pigment, preserving its purity and effectiveness.
Once consumed, lutein naturally accumulates in areas of the brain and eye where it provides protective benefits:
- Antioxidant protection – concentrated in sensitive parts of the eye, lutein helps neutralise free radicals that can affect healthy vision.
- Blue light filtering – it absorbs excess blue light from everyday sources such as digital screens and sunlight.
- Support for retinal structure – lutein helps maintain the delicate architecture of the retina, supporting its role in sensing light.
In children, the eyes collect lutein and other carotenoids from breast milk, milk formulas and foods. Most of it accumulates in the macula, part of the sensitive retina, which is responsible for the kind of detailed, close-up vision that develops during reading and writing [1].
In one study, improvements were observed in low-light visual sensitivity in infants [2]. As children get older, their macula makes more of a substance called “macular pigment”, a blue light filter.
It has been found that macular pigment increases as toddlers get older, but also, the level of lutein and combined carotenoids in their blood corresponds to the level of macular pigments [3] (figures).
Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a natural protein in human milk, and is known as the “first line of defence” for supporting a child’s early immune system.
- Naturally derived – sourced from trusted Australian dairy.
- High purity extract – carefully refined for quality.
- Standardised levels – measured to ensure consistency.
- Tested for safety – with every batch checked and verified.
- Voluntarily re-tested – extra testing goes beyond routine checks to confirm levels.
Lactoferrin is naturally concentrated in colostrum-the very first milk produced at the start of the milking season. Colostrum is richer and creamier than later-stage milk, with especially high levels of lactoferrin. From this precious source, our lactoferrin is gently purified and rigorously tested to ensure high quality and purity.
- Protecting digestion – helps block harmful bacteria and viruses in the gut while supporting the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients.
- Nurturing the gut microbiome – acts like a prebiotic, encouraging the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
- Supporting immunity – boosts the body’s defences by activating special immune cells (T-helper cells) and providing early protection.
- A natural source of iron – provides an easily absorbed form of iron, the main source of iron in breast milk, essential for healthy growth and development.
Studies show that lactoferrin from cow’s milk may help support children’s health in several ways:
- Respiratory health – research suggests it can reduce symptoms of both upper and lower respiratory tract infections【2].
- Protection against parasites – it has been shown to help prevent illness caused by gut parasites such as Giardia【3】.
- Digestive support – studies report that it may ease digestive upset from viral infections in children, helping to reduce the frequency of vomiting and diarrhoea【4–5】.
1. King et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol. Nutr. 2007 Feb;44(2):245-51
2. Ochoa et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2008 Jun 15;46(12):1881-3
3. Motoki et al. Front Pediatr. 2020; 8: 233.
4. Legrand & Mazurier. Biometals. 2010 Jun;23(3):365-76.
5. Actor et al. Curr Pharm Des. 2009; 15(17): 1956–1973.
Nucleotides
Nucleotides are key nutrients that help make new DNA for growing cells and support the developing immune system.
- Infant & toddler friendly – suitable for use in early nutrition formulas as supportive nutrients.
- Comprehensive profile – includes the five main varieties of nucleotides.
- Safe & regulated – added at levels compliant with FSANZ standards.
Nucleotides are naturally present in cow’s milk. Through a careful purification process, they are made into a form suitable for infant and toddler nutrition. They are also officially recognised as nutrient ingredients by FSANZ.
- Growth & development – children’s tissues grow and divide much faster than adults’. To make new cells, their bodies need to produce DNA and chromosomes, and nucleotides are the essential building blocks for this process.
- Immune & gut health – certain tissues, like the gut and immune system, rely on extra dietary nucleotides because they cannot easily make enough on their own. In the gut, nucleotides also help support healthy function and nutrient absorption, which in turn helps protect overall growth and development.
- Growth support – research in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants has shown improvements in growth and weight gain when nucleotides were added to formula【2】.
- Energy use – nucleotides may help the body take up fatty acids for energy【3】.
- Immune defence – studies report that nucleotides support the production of immune cells that help fight viruses【4】, and a clinical trial found a 25% reduction in diarrhoea episodes from gut infections when nucleotides were included in a nutrient formula【5】.
Grass-fed Milk
Little Étoile® Formulas are proudly made with grass-fed Australian cow’s milk. Our cows roam freely in the lush Gippsland pastures of Victoria, grazing on fresh grass all year round – with no confinement, no growth hormones, and no antibiotics.
This natural lifestyle supports healthier cows and milk with a stronger nutritional profile than that of grain-fed cows. Research shows that grass-fed milk provides a better balance of fatty acids, including higher omega-3 levels, as well as more beta-carotene and lutein – valuable nutrients for growing little ones.
Because formula quality begins with the quality of its raw ingredients, the source of milk truly matters. Yet not all “grass-fed” claims are the same, as there are currently no regulatory standards that define what qualifies.
DHA, EPA, ARA
DHA, EPA, and ARA are essential fatty acids that support early development, with DHA, EPA, and ARA especially important for brain and eye formation.
- Rich in DHA – supports healthy brain and eye development.
- Additional source of EPA – contributes to cognitive function, with reseach showing benefit for ADHD.
- Premium source of ARA – important for brain, eye, and immune function.
DHA and EPA are essential omega-3 fats that infants and toddlers need for healthy brain and eye development. They help build and protect the delicate membranes of the retina and the brain’s developing nerve pathways, supporting processes like synapse formation and myelination, which ultimately effects lifelong brain function.
ARA, an essential omega-6 fat, works alongside DHA and EPA, as they accumulate in the brain after birth and throughout the first 1-2 years of life.
Together, DHA, EPA, and ARA also support the immune system and the growth of new cells and tissues across the body. These fatty acids form part of every cell membrane, helping tissues hold together, and are key components of blood cells – from red cells that carry oxygen, to white cells that defend against illness.
Breast milk naturally contains DHA, EPA, and ARA – the key fatty acids needed for early growth and development. Babies begin building stores of DHA, EPA, and ARA before birth (through the placenta) and continue to receive them through breast milk in the first two years of life.
Global studies show average breast milk levels of about 0.32% DHA and 0.43% ARA (as a percentage of total fatty acids)【2】. DHA levels are highest in the early weeks of life and gradually decrease as breastfeeding reduces【3】.
Both DHA and EPA are important together – not just DHA alone – because they work in tandem to cross the placenta and remain active in the infant’s body【4】.
DHA, Brain Function and IQ
Research has linked DHA and ARA intake with improved visual acuity and cognitive function【5】. In one study, formulas containing 0.36% DHA with ARA were associated with better vocabulary and verbal IQ by age 5【6】, highlighting the importance of DHA and ARA intake in infancy and early childhood.
EPA and ADHD
Deficiency in EPA has been associated with attention deficit symptoms. Studies have shown that children with ADHD often present with lower blood levels of omega-3s, particularly EPA [7]. Supplementation with EPA-rich formulations has produced promising results, as EPA plays an important role in supporting brain function.
Galacto-Oligosaccharides (GOS)
Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are dietary fibres that feed the gut’s healthy bacteria, supporting digestion and immunity.
- Gluten-free – gentle on sensitive tummies.
- Allergen-free – suitable for little ones with common food sensitivities.
- Fully safety tested – every batch is checked for quality and purity.
- Naturally derived – made from trusted dairy milk sources.
GOS plays an important role in digestive and immune health for infants and children:
- Prebiotic effect & immune support – GOS feeds beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, some of the very first microbes to colonise the infant gut. These good bacteria help protect against early immune challenges.
- Supports digestive health – GOS helps improve stool consistency, promoting regularity and digestive comfort.
In one study, GOS has been reported to stabilize stool softness [1]. GOS has also been demonstrated to boost Bifido-bacterium (good bacteria) levels and reduce Clostridium (bad bacteria) levels in the gut, while also lowering colic after 2 weeks [2].
In other research, GOS contributed to a drop in the likelihood of children developing respiratory infections. A GOS-containing prebiotic has been used in milk-based nutrient interventions to significantly reduce the risk of respiratory or gut infection episodes, including diarrhea and vomiting [3] in children up to 29 months.
This figure shows how GOS helped to reduce the percentage of kids with infection episodes by 8%, and this reduced the number of children who needed treatment by 30% (adapted from [3]).
A further research study has reported that the inclusion of GOS has contributed to improvements in gut motility in children up to 4 years of age [4].
Wellmune® Beta-Glucan
Wellmune® is a patented beta-glucan from baker’s yeast clinically shown to support immune health.
Wellmune®* is a unique, patented form of beta-glucan, naturally sourced from baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). While some beta-glucans, such as those in oats, are known for helping lower cholesterol, Wellmune® is specially developed for immune health.
Today, it is widely used in nutritional supplements around the world as a trusted functional ingredient.
- Clinically trialled – backed by published research for safety and effectiveness.
- Non-allergenic & gluten-free – gentle and suitable for sensitive diets.
- Non-GMO & organic – produced to high natural standards.
- Kosher & Halal certified – meeting diverse family needs.
Wellmune® supports children’s health in several ways:
- Immune readiness – special cells in the intestine recognise beta-glucans and signal the immune system to stay alert against challenges such as respiratory viruses.
- Gut microbiome support – certain beneficial bacteria, like Bifidobacteria, use beta-glucans as fuel, giving them a prebiotic effect.
- Digestive health – as a non-digestible fibre, beta-glucans also help maintain bowel regularity.
Together with Lactoferrin, Wellmune® forms a powerful duo to support both immunity and digestive balance in little ones.
Clinical studies show that Wellmune® can help reduce common childhood illnesses:
In toddlers (1–4 years) attending daycare, Wellmune® cut respiratory symptoms and sick days by around 50%, and reduced the need for antibiotics by more than 60%【1】.
Other studies in children found fewer cases of diarrhoea, reduced allergy symptoms, and fewer days absent from school【2,3】.
Wellmune® has also been shown to work effectively when included in milk-based formulas and liquid nutrition supplements.
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