What is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin is a special protein naturally found in human milk, and also present in the whey part of cow’s milk. Often called the body’s “first line of defence,” it plays a key role in supporting babies as their immune system begins to develop and respond to the world around them.
What makes Lactoferrin in Little Étoile different?
- 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.
How is it produced?
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.
How does it work?
Lactoferrin plays several important roles in early nutrition and development:
- 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.
- Together with Wellmune® Beta-Glucan, lactoferrin helps strengthen immunity and supports a healthy digestive system.
To compare age-appropriate products after learning about lactoferrin, explore our formula options by stage.
Reduction of viral symptoms in children
What does the research say?
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】.
References:
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.
Which Little Étoile products contain Lactoferrin?
$50.90