Parents who believe in ‘alternative nutrition’ convicted after baby dies of malnutrition – Telegraph.co.uk

A Belgian court on Wednesday convicted two parents in the death of their infant, who succumbed to malnutrition and dehydration because his parents were firm believers in unconventional nutrition.

The court gave both a suspended six-month sentence because they failed to take adequate action to take care ofbabyLucas, who died at sevenmonths old with organs shrunk to half their size and without any fat around them.

Judge Mieke Butstraen said the demise of thebabywas "the result of the systematic offer of food that was not suitable."

Because of that, "his health was seriously impeded and he eventually died" three years ago, weighing only 9lbs 7oz, barely 2lbs 3ozmore in weight than when he was born.

The case has caused a major uproar about the use of alternative medicine and the responsibility of parents in raising their children.

The parents could still appeal the sentence, but the court said it already showed some leniency by giving the minimum six-month sentence.

"It is clear that the defendants have already been severely punished because they need to proceed with life in the knowledge that they are responsible for the death of their son, who they truly loved," Butstraen said.

The parents own a natural dietary shop and backed alternative food to the fullest, applying it to their newly born third child.

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Parents who believe in 'alternative nutrition' convicted after baby dies of malnutrition - Telegraph.co.uk