Can’t afford basic health insurance? Take multivitamins

If you’re already pushing 40, you probably pop multis (multivitamins) or other health supplements every day to keep your mind and body in shape.

Why not? With our busy lifestyles, we simply don’t have the luxury of time to prepare healthy meals from scratch or eat fresh fruits and veggies daily.

“Multis is the basic health insurance that’s accessible and affordable to anyone,” says Cynthia Poa, ONI Global Group CEO, the new master franchise owner of General Nutrition Centers (GNC) in Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines. GNC is a pioneer in the health and supplement industry.

And since our diets are notoriously nutrient-deficient, a pill that promises to keep the body fueled with the vitamins, minerals and enzymes it needs seems a great way to fill in the gaps where your diet might be lacking.

“However, not all multis are created equal,” notes Poa who is in the country for the launch of GNC’s new health and wellness experience at SM Aura.

Some multis have binders, fillers and common allergens, while others contain unnecessary and harmful ingredients like food dyes and hydrogenated oils (trans fats).

“GNC multis (GNC Mega Men and Women Ultra Mega) are scientifically formulated, clinically studied, lifestyle-, gender- and age- specific,” shares Poa. “Both contain up to 56 essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, herbs and other nutrients, and provide gradual release of nutrients for maximal absorption.”

So the next time you shop for multis, read the label. Better yet, shop at GNC stores, which have undergone a major facelift, to be safe.

GNC gets bigger, better, stronger

GNC multis — Mega Men 50 Plus, Mega Men Sport, Mega Men, Triple-Strength Fish Oil, TriFlex — are scientifically formulated, clinically studied, lifestyle-, gender- and agespecific.

And since GNC Asia (which covers Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia and the Philippines) is now under ONI Global Group, GNC Philippines is now bigger (store expansion to exceed 100 stores in five years), better (improved customer experiences) and stronger (more comprehensive product offerings).

“We have exciting plans to build GNC Philippines to become the destination of choice for health, beauty, fitness and wellness,” adds Poa. “We hope that through GNC, we encourage everyone to live well.”

All stores in the country now offer a premium shopping experience that will be updated to align with those in GNC Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Key enhancements include a wider selection of new, exciting and innovative products that will cater to every member of the family; extensive training of store staff about the products offered; excellent customer service; and door-to-door delivery through the company’s online marketplace and logistics partners in the region.

“Trainers from Singapore flew in to train the Filipino staff especially in the art of service and suggestive selling. Each member should listen to the customers’ area of concern and be able to recommend products that suit their needs,” adds Poa.

Poa also gave us a tour of the new and improved GNC store at SM Aura.

Before, I thought at GNC as the go-to destination only for sports nutrition products. Well, I was wrong!  On the shelves, I spotted interesting products such as the Ultra Probiotic 25, which has 16 unique strains including clinically studied probiotics for digestive and immune support; the new Stem C anti-aging range which, according to Poa, is derived from the placenta of thoroughbred horses from Hokkaido; the Triple-Strength Fish Oil; GNC Burn 60, a clinically proven thermogenic formula that helps to enhance metabolism, burn calories and boost energy levels; and assorted stuff to promote healthy development of our kids.

“GNC carries products for each member of the family — from geriatrics all the way down to babies,” notes Poa. “With GNC, everyone can afford to live well.”