Balancing Opportunity and Exploitation: Unpaid Internships in Sports Nutrition

The sports nutrition industry has witnessed significant growth, yet its reliance on unpaid internships presents profound challenges of equity and accessibility. This article examines the implications of unpaid internships in sports nutrition, highlighting their potential to disproportionately disadvantage talented students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. While internships offer invaluable experiential learning opportunities, demanding substantial time commitments without compensation perpetuates inequities, favouring financially privileged individuals. Drawing on research and industry insights, this discussion explores the ethical concerns and long-term impacts of unpaid roles in sports nutrition, paralleling similar issues in strength and conditioning, coaching, and sports physiology. The article advocates for fairer internship practices, emphasizing the need for paid opportunities, expense reimbursement, and structured mentorship to support all aspiring professionals. By addressing these challenges, the sports nutrition industry can foster a more inclusive environment, nurturing a diverse pool of skilled practitioners. This work proposes actionable strategies for industry stakeholders and educational institutions to promote equitable internship standards, ensuring future professionals enter the field prepared and supported.