GNC (General Nutrition Centre), headquartered in Pittsburgh, US, and a leading global specialty health, wellness, and nutraceuticals retailer, is strengthening its presence in India through its association with Guardian Healthcare, the official importer and seller of GNC products in India. Globally, GNC is a multi-billion brand and has around 9,000 locations and franchise operations in approximately 50 countries. In India, Guardian Healthcare Services Pvt Ltd. has tied up with GNC as a sole franchisee with exclusive distribution and marketing rights. Founded by Mr Ashutosh Taparia, who has over two decades of expertise in healthcare, Guardian has a vision of establishing thought leadership position in Indian nutraceuticals market. GNC products are now available online on the e-commerce portals as well as at the retail outlets of Guardian Healthcare and other pharmacy chains. Guardian aims to make GNC range available at 4000 stores across all Metros & Tier 1 towns by 2020. Built on 80 years of superior product quality and innovation, GNC is committed to help Indian consumers in better managing lifestyle issues such as fatigue, stress, vitamin deficiencies, and cholesterol amongst others through the principles of ‘Scientific Nutrition’. With the objective of laying foundation for “Live Well” amongst the Indian consumers, GNC has identified four building blocks of nutrition - Multivitamins, Omega-3’s, Proteins, and Probiotics. As many as 91 percent vegetarians and 85 percent non-vegetarians among Indians were deficient in proteins according to the survey titled 'Protein Consumption in the Diet of adult Indians Survey' (PRODIGY). GNC India is endeavouring to build the cause of #BuildingBlocksofNutrition to raise awareness about missing blocks in nutrition amongst Indians. It refers to need for bridging the gap between insufficient nutrition intakes in our day to day diet with the assistance of health and nourishment products. Mr Ashutosh Taparia, Executive Chairman and Board Member, Guardian Healthcare Services Pvt Ltd, said, “Indians today face serious issues due to lack of complete nutrition. The irregular lifestyle has led to a gap in nutrition that may not be fulfilled by daily food intake. We at Guardian Healthcare, are delighted to bring authentic GNC products to India that are proven globally to have delivered desired results. We hope that through the comprehensive range, GNC would be able to guide consumers towards better way of living.” Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shadab Khan, CEO, GNC India, said, “GNC believes in bridging the gap created due to inadequate nutrition in-take in the food consumed by people on a day-to-day basis through its offerings. While the concept of nutraceuticals is at a nascent stage in India, it is heartening to see a significantly heightened intent to include them in daily diet to fulfil nutrition intake. The Indian nutraceuticals market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 21per cent and reach $10 billion by 2022 from $4 billion now. GNC will fuel this growth by connecting consumers to their best selves by offering a premium assortment of heath, wellness and performance products aiming to help consumers improve the quality of their lives.” These building blocks will help through a focussed preventive approach to enhance and improve overall health. GNC is propagating the idea of having a scientific approach towards fulfilling basic requirements of nutrition for good health and wellness. It aims to cater to believers and achievers of the concept of Live Well by offering its range of premium products. This will not only be restricted to fitness enthusiasts and athletes but across age groups, to everyone who aspires of healthy living. GNC launched the #BuildingBlocksofNutrition campaign with a panel discussion along with eminent personalities including Sheru Aangrish, Co-founder & CEO, Sheru Classic (First International level bodybuilding championship in India), Satnam Singh (first player from India to be drafted into the NBA) and Ms. Noorie M Gada, a Professional Sports nutritionist. The panel spoke about the need of additional nutrition intake apart from regular food in today’s day and age. The panellists deliberated on the fact that current prevailing hectic lifestyles, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy dietary habits, and lack of nutritious intake are causing serious health issues. Nutrient intake in the modern day is vastly reduced due to lower nutrient availability in soil, as well as long travel times reduces micronutrients in our intake through fruits and vegetables. Food we eat not necessarily provides the entire nutrition that our body needs. The panel agreed that the right balance of regular exercise, nutrient rich food and dietary supplements are need of the day.The event saw an electrifying session by Dr Mickey Mehta, global leading holistic health guru and corporate life coach. He stressed on the need of cosmic nutrition which is nutrition from sunshine, water, air, rest amongst others. While, in today’s high paced life, one can do supplementation under proper scientific guidance and supervision.GNC is committed and invested to make a mark as premium sports nutrition and vitamins, minerals and health brand in its first interaction with the audience as the partners for the Sheru Classic event at IHFF (International Health Sports and Fitness Festival) from 13^th to 15^th Oct in Mumbai.