Posted by Emma Lehman
on April 21, 2026
The first two years of life are a once-only window of development.
A baby’s brain doubles in size in the first year and reaches nearly 80% of its growth by age five. During this time, nutrition doesn’t just fuel growth, it builds the brain’s structure, wiring and long-term health foundations.
If key nutrients are missed in these critical years, some effects cannot be fully reversed later.
Early nutrition shapes lifelong outcomes.
Our Food Heroes:
Organ Blend
Organic beef spleen and liver
Rich in heme iron, the form found in animal foods that’s absorbed far more efficiently than non-heme iron from plants or fortified products. (Plant based diets need to x the RDI of iron by 1.8 due to poor absorption). Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide, recognised by the World Health Organization as a leading global health concern. Reference
Iron doesn’t work alone, it needs a team (we call these cofactors).
Copper
• Essential for transporting iron from the gut into the bloodstream
• Helps incorporate iron into haemoglobin
• Liver is one of the richest natural sources of copper
Vitamin A
• Helps mobilise iron from storage sites
• Supports red blood cell production
• Found in its preformed, bioavailable state in liver
This is why whole organ blends are so powerful, they provide iron with the nutrients required for absorption and utilisation.
Organ blend also contains:
B Vitamins
• B12 – critical for red blood cell formation and neurological function
• Folate (B9) – supports cell division and growth
• B2 & B6 – involved in energy metabolism
You’ll also find:
• Zinc immune support, growth, appetite regulation
• Choline brain development
• Trace minerals in their natural food matrix
Because nutrients don’t act in isolation.
Spleen & liver deliver iron with its cofactors, B vitamins, and trace minerals in the forms your body recognises and knows how to use.
How it works in a toddlers body:
• Oxygen delivery to every cell (energy + stamina)
• Brain development, learning & memory
• Neurotransmitter production (focus + mood regulation)
• Healthy immune function
• Strong appetite and growth
Low iron in early life can impact cognition, behaviour, and resilience and toddlers are one of the highest risk groups for deficiency.
Organic Bone Broth
Bone broth is rich in protein building blocks called amino acids like glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.
Glycine
• Supports the gut lining
• Helps produce glutathione (antioxidant protection)
• Acts as a calming neurotransmitter
• Supports sleep and nervous system balance
Proline & Hydroxyproline
• Build connective tissue
• Support joints, cartilage and skin
• Strengthen gut barrier integrity
Why gut support is so important for toddlers:
Around 70% of immune tissue lives in the gut.
A strong gut lining supports:
• Immune resilience
• Healthy inflammation balance
• Nutrient absorption
• Communication along the gut–brain axis
For toddlers constantly exposed to new microbes, this foundation matters.
Protein, Amino Acids & the Brain
Amino acids are the building blocks of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow brain cells to communicate.
Efficient brain communication supports:
• Memory
• Learning
• Emotional regulation
• Coordination
• Language development
Protein quite literally builds the brain’s structure, the scaffolding behind recognising faces, taking first steps, learning words and exploring the world.
Algal Oil DHA
DHA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid and the most important omega-3 for brain and eye development in early life.
It is a structural fat.
That means it literally becomes part of your child’s brain and retina.
The ability of each brain cell to mature, form connections and communicate efficiently depends, in part on adequate DHA availability.
How DHA Supports Your Baby & Toddler
Brain Structure & “Scaffolding”
DHA is a major component of neuronal membranes.
It helps build flexible, functional brain cells that can grow and connect rapidly.
Communication Between Brain Cells
Healthy cell membranes allow neurotransmitters to move efficiently supporting:
• Memory
• Learning
• Focus
• Emotional regulation
Vision Development
DHA is highly concentrated in the retina.
It supports visual acuity and the development of clear, sharp vision.
Cognitive Progression
Adequate DHA intake in early life is associated with improved cognitive outcomes, language development and problem-solving skills.
Organic vegetables
A foundation of wholefood nutrition, organic vegetables provide a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients in their natural form.
You’ll find nutrients like:
• Vitamin C to support iron absorption and immune function
• Vitamin K for normal blood clotting and bone health
• Folate for cell growth and development
• Naturally occurring antioxidants like sulforaphane (in greens) that support cellular health
Vegetables also deliver fibre to support healthy digestion and help shape a diverse gut microbiome early in life.
Importantly, they introduce savoury, bitter and earthy flavours during the flavour window, helping expand your child’s palate beyond sweet.
Chia Seeds
Tiny but nutrient-dense, chia seeds provide healthy fats, fibre and plant-based minerals in a wholefood format.
They contain:
• Omega-3 fats (ALA)
• Fibre to support digestion and gut health
• Calcium and magnesium for growing bodies
When hydrated, chia forms a gel-like texture, making nutrients gentle and easy to consume.
A simple wholefood ingredient that adds texture, nourishment and sustained energy.
Kelp
A natural source of iodine, a mineral essential for thyroid function and healthy development.
Iodine plays a key role in:
• Brain and nervous system development
• Growth and metabolism regulation
• Hormone production (thyroid hormones)
Kelp delivers iodine in its natural food matrix, alongside trace minerals, supporting balanced intake during a critical stage of development.
Iodine deficiency is recognised as the leading cause of preventable intellectual impairment worldwide, particularly impacting brain development in early life. Reference
Coconut
A whole food source of healthy fats, providing a concentrated form of energy for growing bodies.
Coconut contains:
• Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a readily used energy source
• Natural fats that contribute to satiety and flavour
• A smooth texture that supports palatability
Fats are essential in early life, not only for energy, but as a key component of brain structure and development.
Quinoa
A naturally nutrient-dense seed that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fibre and plant-based protein.
It contains:
• All essential amino acids
• Iron and magnesium
• Complex carbohydrates for steady energy
Quinoa delivers gentle, sustained nourishment, supporting active, growing bodies with nutrients in their natural form.
