March 28, 2003 – Parents in the United States who imposed strict vegetarian diets on their infants are now facing charges of first-degree assault.
The Crown argues that the man and woman knowingly took the life of their daughter Iice (pronounced ice) in danger by depriving it, among other things, of all dairy products. The child was fed fruit juices, crushed nuts and mashed organic vegetables. She was also receiving cod liver oil supplements.
The defense, for its part, believes that the child was not in danger of death and that his parents did not demonstrate criminal negligence.
At birth, Iice weighed just 1.3 kilograms and suffered from a lung problem. Fifteen months later, when the situation was reported to authorities, she weighed 4.5 kilograms, less than half the normal weight of a child of that age. She had no teeth and suffered, according to doctors, from rickets, fractures and other internal problems.
“Before the age of six months, the child must absolutely receive milk, whether it be breast milk, cow’s milk, goat’s milk or soy milk,” explains pediatrician Serge Therrien. After six months, one can start to introduce cereals, fruits and vegetables. “
Developmental disorders
The presence of milk and eggs in the diet (the vegetarianism called “ovo-lacto”) remains crucial for the good development of the child at this stage.
“Otherwise, we risk deficiencies and malnutrition,” continues Dr. Therrien. In this case, I guarantee that this child’s IQ has been affected and that she will never reach her full potential. It is too late, its critical period of development has passed. “
Several studies, the most recent from 20011, have concluded that a vegetarian diet may be appropriate for children of all ages. Researchers warn, however, that deficiencies in calcium, zinc, iron, protein, riboflavin, and vitamins B12 and D can occur. All of these deficiencies could be avoided with fortified foods.
“Vegetarianism is not the problem, adds Serge Therrien. The problem is people who are fanatical and take it to the extreme. I’m sure his parents didn’t mean harm to him, but they didn’t know how to dose. “
After being removed from her family environment, Iice was hospitalized and quickly gained weight. Its diet contains no meat but has been approved by doctors.
If found guilty, his parents face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to the New York Times, March 28, 2003.
1. Messina V, Mangels AR. Considerations in planning vegan diets: children.J Am Diet Assoc 2001 Jun; 101 (6): 661-9. [Consulté le 28 mars 2003].
