At 7-months-old, a malnourished Belgian baby died in 2014 weighing only 9 pounds. Now his parents face prison for feeding him an insufficient gluten- and lactose-free diet.

Identified as Peter S., 34, and Sandrina V., 30, the defendants run a health food store in Beveren, near Antwerp, the Daily Mail reports. They decided that their son Lucas suffered from food allergies and an eating problem, but never received a professional diagnosis, prosecutors allege.

"Not a single doctor had a dossier about Lucas and child protection services did not know about them," the lawyers told the courtroom, according to the Independent. Instead of a complete diet, the baby received various types of vegan milk, including oat, rice, buckwheat, semolina and quinoa varieties.

"We never went with Lucas to a doctor because we never noticed anything unusual," Peter reportedly said. The prosecution claims the couple actually drove across the country to visit a homeopathic doctor, who then sent them to a hospital.

Doctors declared Lucas dead on arrival, and an autopsy revealed his stomach was completely empty. They also found a prayer card in his diaper. At just 9.47 pounds, Lucas weighed as much as a newborn.

"Sometimes he gained a little weight, sometimes he lost a little," his mom told the court. "We never wished for the death of our son." The couple's lawyer, Karine Van Meirvenne, claims Lucas had "an eating disorder" and suffered from cramps.

The presiding judge will deliver a ruling on June 14, according to the Daily Mail.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises feeding infants breast milk or formula for the first year of life, and introducing solid foods around 6 months of age. In the U.S., the Federal Food & Drug Administration regulates formulas to ensure they meet nutritional requirements for infants.

"Without the complete protein and essential fatty acids found in both maternal milk and infant formula, babies are at an increased risk for malnutrition," says Jaclyn London, R.D., Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute. "That exposes them to a slew of health risks and complications — from immune deficits to improper brain development."

If you're considering a vegan diet for your child, London advises meeting with a pediatrician, pediatric dietitian and a multidisciplinary medical team to decide on a feeding plan. Getting the right advice can help your family stay happy and healthy for the long term.

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From: Good Housekeeping US