THE GNC PROTEIN DIFFERENCE: QUALITY, PURITY, & RESULTS YOU CAN TRUST

Protein is one of the most popular supplements out there, especially protein powder. From building muscle and strength to helping with weight loss, protein is also one of the most versatile supplements. For consumers, finding a protein can be a daunting task with thousands of brands and products touting that theirs is the best. How do you know which one to choose? How can you find a product you trust?

In this article, we’ll dive into the importance of protein, the risks of low-quality protein products, and why you can trust GNC as your go-to for protein (and quite honestly, ANY supplement).

WHAT IS PROTEIN?

Protein is an essential macronutrient the body needs in large amounts through the food we eat. At the molecular level, protein is made up of individual amino acids linked together to make a long protein chain. There are 20 different types of amino acids, each playing a unique role in the body. Amino acids are classified as essential or non-essential. Essential amino acids are those that the body can’t produce on its own (making it “essential” to get through the diet). Protein is involved in nearly all bodily processes, but its primary functions include:

• Providing the body with energy in the form of calories
• Forming the structural component of tissues, muscles, organs, hair, bones, cells, and much more
• Creating new tissues during periods of growth, especially pregnancy and childhood
• Repairing and maintaining tissues during times of illness or injury
• Regulating many bodily functions such as the immune system, hormones, enzymes, DNA, and more

Because of all of these incredible roles, people seek out protein supplements to help with various health goals such as:

• Building muscle and strength
• Repairing muscles and recovering after strenuous exercise
• Helping with weight loss and appetite control

RISKS OF A LOW-QUALITY PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT

While you may think all protein products are created equal, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Here are some risks of purchasing a low-quality protein product:

• False Labeling – There have been instances of false labeling that’s caught media attention. Because these are products you are ingesting and putting into your body, false labeling is incredibly risky. You want to make sure you know EXACTLY what’s in the product and what’s NOT in the product.
• Lower Protein Input. There may be instances of brands or manufacturers putting less protein in the product to save money. If the label says 20 grams of protein, but they only put in 10 grams…That means you’re not getting your money’s worth. The problem is it’s impossible to know that without analytical tests to verify the exact protein amount.
• Protein Spiking. It’s the supplement industry’s dirty little secret. Some brands overstate the amount of protein on the label compared to what is actually in the product. This means you’re getting less protein and the company is saving money. There’s a tricky technique to get away with this, and it comes down to nitrogen. Let me explain…Proteins contain nitrogen. A basic test for total nitrogen is often used to determine a product’s protein content. The problem? Some companies will add other, non-protein ingredients (such as single amino acids, creatine, and betaine) and count them towards the total protein content.
• Contaminants. Protein products should be tested for contaminants such as harmful bacteria, mold, yeast, and heavy metals. Depending on the manufacturer, there is also the risk of cross-contamination with other materials being used in the factory and on the machines, such as pharmaceuticals or other ingredients not called out on the label. These compounds should be tested for by the manufacturer, a third-party company, or both.
• Incomplete Protein. Remember the essential amino acids that the body must get through the diet? A protein powder must contain all 9 of these in order to be considered a “Complete Protein”, which is the gold standard. Some examples of incomplete proteins include cocoa and most plant sources of protein like pea or rice.

GNC’S COMMITMENT TO PROTEIN QUALITY

GNC has been in the supplement game for nearly 90 years. As a company, you don’t stick around that long without doing things the RIGHT way. That’s why GNC is America’s Most Trusted Nutritional Supplement Retailer. If a protein product has GNC on the label, you can purchase with confidence. Here are the details we are committed to:

Transparent Labeling

GNC guarantees that 100% of the ingredient label claim is present in every bottle until the expiration date. Every GNC protein product also contains 100% protein with no overstated protein values. We use accurate testing methods and do not include other ingredients or added amino acids in the total protein amount. No protein spiking here!

Third-Party Testing and Certifications

GNC’s quality standards are very high when it comes to choosing a manufacturer. All of GNC’s protein products are manufactured in facilities that follow Good Manufacturing Practices and undergo regular inspections from the FDA.

We also have third-party testing for banned substances, For competitive athletes who undergo regular drug testing, you want a protein you can trust. GNC never puts banned substances in ANY product, but we also go above and beyond to ensure purity. Many of GNC’s protein products are tested for over 200 banned substances by a third-party agency called LGC Sciences. Just look for “Banned Substance Tested” on the label.

High-Quality Ingredients

GNC chooses the highest-quality protein sources to go into its products. For protein powders, GNC always uses instantized or agglomerated protein. This basically means it undergoes a manufacturing process that results in a powder that mixes easily and is easier to digest because it has fewer bubbles or foam. Whenever possible, we also formulate to ensure the product provides a complete amino acid profile for best results.

Backed by Science

GNC has a bunch of nutrition nerds (I say that lovingly) who obsess over every single detail of our products. We have a team of scientific, regulatory, and nutrition experts with over 100 years of university-level education obtaining bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate-level degrees in nutrition, chemistry, exercise science, and other health fields. They evaluate every GNC product from product safety and regulations, product design and formulation, manufacturing standards, and labeling and marketing. And if our team doesn’t have all the answers, we have a network that will help us find them. We partner with top universities, physicians, statisticians, researchers, and safety experts who help ensure GNC products are truly best-in-class.

Proven Results

It’s very rare for a protein product to be tested in a human clinical study for positive outcomes, like strength or weight loss. But at GNC, we have several…

• Proven Performance Protein: AMP Wheybolic, AMP Wheybolic Ripped, and AMP Wheybolic Alpha. GNC has invested in several studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the leucine-rich protein blend in Wheybolic. Results of these studies showed that combining Wheybolic with resistance exercise resulted in increased muscle strength, muscle size, performance, and stamina.
• Proven Weight Loss Meal Replacement: Providing 25 grams of protein, Lean Shake 25 has also been put to the test in a clinical study. This hunger-satisfying meal replacement was clinically proven to help users lose nearly two times the weight compared to diet alone. Click here to learn more about the study.
• Proven Mass Gainer: Providing a whopping 780 calories and 50 grams of protein, AMP Mass XXX is a mass gainer in a league of its own. It’s been shown to increase lean muscle mass, body weight, and muscle strength with 40% fewer sets (aka. less exercise). Click here to learn more about the study.

Variety of GNC Protein Options

GNC offers a wide range of protein products to meet different dietary needs, fitness goals, and flavor preferences. Choose from our expertly curated assortment of:

• Protein powders
  • Whey
  • Casein
  • Plant-based proteins
• Protein shakes – Ready-to-drink and easy for on-the-go
• Protein bars
• Protein snacks
• Mass gainers – High calorie, high protein, added macronutrients such as carbs and fat
• Meal replacements – Provides protein plus added fiber, vitamins, and nutrients

Knowledgeable Support

With thousands of locations in over 40 countries, there’s sure to be a store near you. Stop in to speak with one of our store associates who can help answer any question you may have. You can even do it from the convenience of your phone by chatting with a coach online at GNC.com.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

As a consumer, choosing a protein supplement can be overwhelming. You want to pick one from a reputable brand you can trust, and there’s no one better than GNC. With transparent labeling, high-quality ingredients, expertly formulated products backed by clinical research, and a wide variety of options to choose from – GNC is an easy decision for protein. And if you need help, have a question, or just don’t know where to start, reach out to a GNC associate in-store or online. We got your back.