PLNU and GNC Launch Landmark Human Performance Study to Redefine Supplement Innovation

PLNU and GNC team pictured together at PLNU's CHS campus.

We're excited to share this great highlight as GNC has announced a bold new research partnership with our PLNU College of Health Sciences team aimed at pushing the boundaries of human performance. 

GNC, the world leader in health and wellness, has announced a bold new research partnership with Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) aimed at pushing the boundaries of human performance. The collaborative initiative combines gold-standard clinical trial methods, state-of-the-art sport science labs, and cutting-edge wearable technology to assess the real-world effectiveness of supplement formulas.

This research will be led by Dr. Kristen Snyman and the PLNU Kinesiology team, in collaboration with GNC’s Science & Innovation team and industry partners, including ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, and tech innovators. The goal being to generate evidence-based insights that fuel the next generation of performance nutrition. GNC has a long history of conducting clinical trials with a large focus on active nutrition. “GNC is redefining what it means to fuel performance through data and science,” said Dr. Brittany Johnson, Senior Clinical Research Lead at GNC. “This isn’t just about making claims. This is about setting a new standard for evidence-based innovation and uniting the industry to advance clinical research that delivers tested solutions for consumers.”

This study is part of GNC’s broader commitment to:

  • Collaborating across the supplement and tech industries to advance dietary supplement science
  • Conducting gold-standard trials with protocols that translate directly to consumer benefits
  • Investing in performance studies that include female participants – an often overlooked population in sports science
  • Leveraging best-in-class wearable and biometric technology for real-time data

“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” said Rachel Kreder, Vice President of Product Innovation & Science. “We are dedicated to developing best-in-class products, which means we are putting them to the ultimate test of a clinical trial”.

“This new partnership with GNC is an exciting movement in the sport performance research arena,” said Dr. Snyman. “We are thrilled to include females too, a largely understudied population in sport research.

“With our shared passion for sport science, we are committed to pushing the limits of human performance through rigorous, evidence-based research under this new partnership, while also preparing the next generation of supplement scientists through hands-on graduate education” said Dr. Brent Alvar.

The first study will assess the impact of a performance blend to test muscle strength, power, and recovery. Testing will use validated lab protocols, university-led supervision, and wearable technology to measure relevant outcomes to athletes and active consumers. This effort marks another bold step in GNC’s mission to help every individual

“Live Well” and perform at the highest level of excellence.

 

About GNC

GNC is an American-run global leader in health and wellness delivering science-based products and solutions designed to help consumers Live Well. With over 96% of GNC branded products being manufactured in the United States using globally sourced ingredients, GNC touches consumers worldwide by providing its products and services through company-owned retail locations, domestic and international franchise locations, digital commerce and strong wholesale and retail partnerships across the globe. GNC’s diversified, multi-channel business model has worldwide reach and a well-recognized, trusted brand. By combining exceptional innovation, product development capabilities and an extensive global distribution network, GNC manages a best-in-class product portfolio. Visit www.gnc.com for more information.

 

About the PLNU Research Team

The partnership will be led by distinguished faculty from Point Loma Nazarene University’s Department of Kinesiology:

  • Kristen C. Snyman, Ph.D., CSCS*D, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, specializes in applied exercise physiology with an emphasis on neuromuscular adaptations, perception of effort, biofeedback, and environmental physiology. Her work bridges cutting-edge science with practical applications in training and performance.
  • Brent A. Alvar, Ph.D., CSCS*D, TSAC*D, FNSCA, FACSM, Associate Dean of Research, Grants, and Partnerships, brings decades of expertise in human performance, resistance training, and occupational preparedness. He is recognized internationally for his contributions to advancing sport science and performance research.
  • Jacob R. Goodin, Ph.D., CSCS, ISAK II, Professor of Kinesiology, is a sport physiologist with extensive experience as a strength and conditioning coach and sport scientist across high school, collegiate, and NCAA Division I athletics. His research focuses on athlete monitoring, muscle architecture, and performance in both strength and endurance sports.

Together, this team combines deep scientific knowledge with hands-on experience in sport performance, creating a unique environment to advance supplement research and mentor the next generation of sport scientists.

 

This source originally appeared on gnc.com. To view it on their site click HERE.