Feb 10, 2026Exercise Mimetics: Can Supplements Replace Movement? AICAR, Resveratrol, and Irisin EvidenceExercise produces benefits through AMPK activation, BDNF upregulation, and irisin release that no supplement fully replicates. Some compounds (resveratrol, AICAR) partially activate overlapping pathways in animals. Human evidence for exercise replacement is weak. This article separates marketing from mechanism.