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Toddler on strict 'vegan' diet resembled three-month-old, court hears

A Sydney couple accused of neglecting their 20 month-old daughter by putting her on a strict vegan diet have pleaded not guilty.

Their daughter suffered a seizure last month, prompting doctors at Sydney Children's Hospital to notify police after they discovered she was also found to be suffering from malnutrition and rickets.

The 31-year-old woman and 33-year-old man arrived at Waverley Court on Wednesday morning after they were charged with failing to provide for a child causing danger of serious injury and reckless grievous bodily harm.

It will be alleged the abuse started at one Sydney home and continued at the family's new Eastern suburbs address.

The man and woman pleaded not guilty to child neglect charges. Source: 7 News
The man and woman pleaded not guilty to child neglect charges. Source: 7 News

Investigators say when the 20-month-old was admitted to the hospital, her body was so malnourished, she resembled a three-month-old.

Rickets is a preventable bone disease, rarely seen in Australia and is caused by a lack of Vitamin D and calcium - affecting children on vegetarian or dairy-free diets.

The little girl underwent urgent treatment and remained under medical care for three weeks.

Her parents have pleaded not guilty and are due back in court next month.

The child's parents fronted Waverley Court on Wednesday. Source: 7 News
The child's parents fronted Waverley Court on Wednesday. Source: 7 News
Investigators say the 20-month-old resembled a three-month-old. Source: 7 News
Investigators say the 20-month-old resembled a three-month-old. Source: 7 News