Hanlie Jordaan Pittendrigh (BSc. UWC; MSc. UCT); Kira van Niekerk (BSc. Stellenbosch)
Sports Dietitian is a leading provider of evidence-based performance nutrition services in South Africa. We are a team consisting of 2 registered dietitians in South Africa. We have additional qualifications in sports nutrition. We are dedicated to supporting athletes at all levels, from recreational athletes, university sports, to elite and professional competition, by offering personalised guidance that enhances both health and performance.
Our approach is grounded in science, and we prioritise ethical, practical, and sustainable nutrition strategies. In addition to one-on-one consultations and tailored meal planning, we offer sports team education (e.g. Rugby, netball, triathlon, etc.), school workshops (e.g. Stellenbosch ACE program, underprivileged athletes), squad education (e.g. Tygerberg Swimming aquatics, etc), and disabled body athletes in their sports journeys.
Aligned with international best practices and anti-doping standards, we are committed to helping athletes thrive with confidence and integrity.
This handbook outlines the structure, expectations, learning opportunities, and assessments designed to give dietetic students a comprehensive, hands-on sports nutrition experience in South Africa. The goal is to equip interns with practical skills, evidence-based knowledge, and confidence to work with athletes across various sporting disciplines.
The Sports Nutrition Internship provides exposure to real-world consulting, performance nutrition strategies, clinical assessment, and education-based projects. Interns work alongside a practising sports dietitian and participate in activities that build both foundational dietetics skills and advanced sports-focused competencies.
By the end of the internship, interns will:
Been in public and private hospitals in South Africa to educate underprivileged individuals and counsel private sports athletes.
Interns will sit in on in-person and online consultations to observe:
Interns will practise:
Giving advice on supplementation use.
Interns will learn to:
Interns will review and interpret blood test results for:
Intern will then assist in creating a nutrition action plan based on findings.
Interns will assist or observe talks delivered to:
Interns will help with:
Audience engagement activities
Interns will produce:
These materials should be evidence-based and visually engaging.
Each intern will:
Presentations should include:
Interns may be asked to complete a short research assignments for topics such as:
Interns may assist with nutrition planning for athletes competing in events such as:
Tasks include:
Reviewing race nutrition products
Interns will familiarize themselves and update comparison tables for:
Interns will also review WADA/SAIDS anti-doping guidelines.
Interns will learn fundamental practice management skills:
