Fresh off releasing a peer-reviewed GLP-1 review, the wellness retailer is now launching a research initiative using wearable data to test the real-world impact of supplements
GNC is going all in on evidence.
The wellness retailer is partnering with Point Loma Nazarene University to put supplement formulas to a real test.
The study will be led by Dr. Kristen Snyman and PLNU’s kinesiology team in collaboration with GNC’s Science & Innovation group, plus ingredient suppliers, manufacturers and tech partners.
“At the end of the day, if the formula doesn’t deliver meaningful benefits our consumers seek, we are missing the mark in product innovation,” GNC vice president of product innovation and science Rachel Kreider said. “We are dedicated to developing best-in-class products, which means we are putting them to the ultimate test of a clinical trial.”
GNC says its first study will examine how a performance blend actually moves the needle on muscle strength, power and recovery. The testing will run through validated lab protocols under university supervision and tap wearable tech to capture outcomes.
The new partnership adds to GNC’s growing research portfolio. The retailer recently released a peer-reviewed review detailing how supplements can complement GLP-1 medications by helping preserve lean mass, address nutrient gaps and manage side effects.
“This new partnership with GNC is an exciting movement in the sport-performance research arena,” Dr. Snyman said. “We are thrilled to include females too, a largely understudied population in sport research.”
GNC’s move comes as the supplement aisle faces louder calls for transparency and real-world data, a drumbeat led by startups like SuppCo.. The platform acts as both a supplement tracker and optimizer, analyzing ingredient quality, building personalized stacks and publishing data-driven reports, including a creatine analysis that found several bestselling gummies contain almost no creatine.
