A nutritionist associated with an elite health club in Melbourne faced scrutiny after a former client, a child, was hospitalized due to severe malnutrition. The Herald Sun revealed that Marieke Rodenstein, Saint Haven's Head of Biohacking, Anti-Ageing and Longevity, was investigated by the regulator in 2024 over a patient she treated outside the club. The luxury private club, founded by property developer Tim Gurner, charges members up to $40,000 annually for an "ultimate life experience."
The investigation found that Ms. Rodenstein had violated sections of the code of conduct, including failing to provide safe and ethical care. However, she has since taken steps to improve her practice and is no longer considered a serious risk. Prior to joining Saint Haven, Ms. Rodenstein ran her own nutrition business in Melbourne's outer east. Victoria's Health Complaints Commissioner launched the investigation into "unsafe nutrition advice" for a "young child" in 2024 after receiving a complaint. The provider, who had seen the child over a period of seven years, was not named but was later confirmed to be Ms. Rodenstein. The child was hospitalized with severe malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies, with no evidence of food allergies or malabsorption. The hospital's medical team attributed the deficiencies to an extremely restricted diet.
During the investigation, Ms. Rodenstein was banned from treating children under 16 and was only allowed to work at Saint Haven's Collingwood club. The investigation ultimately found that she had breached several sections of the code of conduct, but ruled that she was no longer a risk to the Victorian public and did not make the order permanent. The breaches included "failing to provide safe and ethical care, not recognizing limits of competence, and not communicating effectively with other health professionals." However, the Commissioner noted that Ms. Rodenstein had reflected on the concerns raised, engaged in education, and taken steps to improve her practice. As she no longer posed a serious risk to the public, no further regulatory action was taken. A spokesman for the Gurner Group denied that Ms. Rodenstein was the subject of any ongoing investigations, emphasizing Saint Haven's commitment to member well-being. The club offers a range of health and wellness services, including a cycle studio, gym, fitness classes, bath house, cryotherapy, infra-red sauna, and mineral-infused water. Memberships are exclusive and limited to those who pass a five-stage application process, with fees ranging from $179 to over $1000 per week for the highest tier.
