Peak Performance NMN + Resveratrol is a combination supplement marketed for anti-ageing and metabolic health benefits. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a vitamin B3 derivative that may influence cellular energy metabolism, whilst resveratrol is a plant compound found in red grapes and berries. Whilst laboratory studies suggest potential mechanisms involving NAD+ production and sirtuin activation, robust human clinical evidence remains limited. Importantly, NMN is classified as a novel food in the UK and is not currently authorised for use in food supplements in Great Britain. This article examines the science, safety profile, regulatory status, and clinical evidence surrounding these increasingly popular supplements.

What Are NMN and Resveratrol Supplements?

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) and resveratrol are two naturally occurring compounds that have gained considerable attention in the nutritional supplement market, often marketed together in combination products. Understanding what these substances are and their biological origins is essential for informed decision-making.

NMN is a derivative of niacin (vitamin B3) and serves as a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme found in all living cells. NAD+ plays a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair, and various enzymatic reactions throughout the body. As we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, which has led researchers to investigate whether supplementing with NMN might help restore these levels. NMN is found in small quantities in foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, edamame, and avocado, though the amounts present are far lower than typical supplement doses.

Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound classified as a phytoalexin—a substance plants produce in response to stress, injury, or fungal infection. It is found naturally in the skins of red grapes, berries (particularly blueberries and cranberries), peanuts, and Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). Resveratrol gained widespread public interest following research into the 'French paradox'—the observation that French populations had relatively low rates of cardiovascular disease despite diets high in saturated fats, potentially attributed to red wine consumption.

It is important to note that in the UK, resveratrol is available as a food supplement, but NMN is considered a novel food and is not currently authorised for use in food supplements in Great Britain. Novel foods require safety assessment and authorisation before they can be legally marketed. Additionally, there are no authorised health claims for either NMN or resveratrol under the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register.

How Peak Performance NMN + Resveratrol Works

The proposed mechanisms of action for NMN and resveratrol centre on cellular metabolism, mitochondrial function, and pathways associated with ageing, though much of the evidence derives from preclinical studies rather than large-scale human trials.

NMN's hypothesised mechanism involves its potential conversion to NAD+ within cells. Laboratory studies suggest that once ingested, NMN may be absorbed and transported into cells, where it could be enzymatically converted to NAD+. This coenzyme is essential for the function of sirtuins—a family of proteins involved in cellular health, DNA repair, inflammation regulation, and metabolic homeostasis. NAD+ also supports mitochondrial function, the cellular 'powerhouses' responsible for energy production. The hypothesis is that by potentially boosting NAD+ levels through NMN supplementation, cellular energy metabolism and repair mechanisms might be enhanced, theoretically counteracting some age-related decline in cellular function. However, human pharmacokinetics and cellular transport mechanisms remain incompletely defined.

Resveratrol's proposed mechanism is multifaceted. Laboratory research suggests it may influence sirtuin activity (particularly SIRT1), though the direct activation of SIRT1 by resveratrol is debated among scientists, with some evidence suggesting its effects may be indirect (e.g., via AMPK pathways) and context-dependent. Resveratrol also exhibits antioxidant properties in experimental settings, potentially helping to neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress—a process implicated in cellular ageing and chronic disease. Additionally, resveratrol may influence inflammatory pathways, endothelial function (the inner lining of blood vessels), and glucose metabolism in preclinical models.

The theoretical rationale for combining NMN and resveratrol is based on the hypothesis that NMN might provide the substrate (NAD+) whilst resveratrol could influence the enzymes (sirtuins) that utilise it, potentially creating a complementary effect. However, it is crucial to emphasise that whilst these mechanisms are biologically plausible and supported by laboratory and animal studies, there is no official link established through large-scale, peer-reviewed human clinical trials that definitively proves these effects translate to meaningful health benefits in humans taking these supplements.

Potential Benefits and Current Evidence

Marketing claims for NMN and resveratrol supplements often reference anti-ageing effects, enhanced energy, improved cardiovascular health, and metabolic benefits. Whilst preliminary research is intriguing, the current evidence base requires careful interpretation.

Preclinical evidence from animal studies has shown promising results. Research in mice has demonstrated that NMN supplementation can increase NAD+ levels, improve insulin sensitivity, enhance physical endurance, and support various markers of healthy ageing. Similarly, resveratrol has shown potential benefits in animal models for cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and lifespan extension in certain organisms such as yeast and worms.

Human clinical evidence, however, remains limited and inconclusive. Small-scale human trials have investigated NMN's effects on metabolic parameters, with some studies suggesting improvements in insulin sensitivity in prediabetic women (n=25) and increased muscle NAD+ levels in healthy adults. For resveratrol, human studies have explored cardiovascular markers, cognitive function, and metabolic health, with mixed results. Some trials have shown modest improvements in blood pressure, endothelial function, or inflammatory markers, whilst others have found no significant benefits. Meta-analyses of resveratrol studies show inconsistent effects on cardiometabolic markers, with no demonstrated benefits on major clinical outcomes such as mortality or cardiovascular events.

Critically, there are no large-scale, randomised controlled trials specifically examining combination products like Peak Performance NMN + Resveratrol, nor is there robust evidence demonstrating clinically meaningful improvements in longevity, disease prevention, or overall health outcomes in humans. The translation from promising laboratory findings to proven human health benefits remains an area of active research.

The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) do not currently recognise NMN or resveratrol supplements as treatments for any medical condition. These products are classified as food supplements rather than medicines, meaning they have not undergone the rigorous testing required for therapeutic claims. There are no authorised health claims for either NMN or resveratrol in the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register. Consumers should approach marketing claims with appropriate scepticism and recognise that 'potential benefits' are not equivalent to proven clinical efficacy.

Safety, Side Effects and UK Regulatory Status

Understanding the safety profile and regulatory context of NMN and resveratrol supplements is essential for anyone considering their use.

Safety and side effects: Resveratrol is generally considered well-tolerated in the short term at commonly used doses, though long-term safety data in humans remains limited. Reported side effects are typically mild and may include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, or bloating

• Flushing or skin reactions: Particularly with higher doses of resveratrol

• Headache or fatigue: Reported occasionally in clinical trials

• Potential drug interactions: Resveratrol may interact with anticoagulants (such as warfarin), antiplatelet medications, and certain chemotherapy drugs due to its effects on drug-metabolising enzymes (CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP2D6) and P-glycoprotein. Patients taking these medications should be particularly cautious and monitor for increased bleeding risk or altered drug effects

There is no official link established between resveratrol supplementation and serious adverse events in healthy adults at recommended doses, though comprehensive long-term safety studies are lacking. Individuals with existing medical conditions, particularly those affecting liver or kidney function, should exercise caution.

UK regulatory status: In the United Kingdom, resveratrol is classified as a food supplement ingredient regulated under food law rather than medicines legislation. However, NMN is considered a novel food and is not currently authorised for use in food supplements in Great Britain. Novel foods require safety assessment and prior authorisation from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) before they can be legally marketed in Great Britain.

The MHRA does not authorise these products as treatments for medical conditions, and manufacturers cannot legally make specific health claims without appropriate authorisation under the GB Nutrition and Health Claims Register (derived from EU Regulation 1924/2006 retained in UK law post-Brexit).

Who should avoid these supplements?

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (insufficient safety data)

• Children and adolescents (no established safety profile)

• Individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (discuss with your doctor or pharmacist first)

• Those with hormone-sensitive conditions (resveratrol may have oestrogenic effects)

• People scheduled for surgery (as a precautionary measure, discuss discontinuation with your surgical/anaesthetic team due to theoretical bleeding risk)

Anyone considering these supplements should consult their GP or a registered healthcare professional, particularly if taking prescribed medications or managing chronic health conditions. If you experience any suspected adverse reactions, report them to the MHRA through the Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk).

Dosage Guidance and How to Take This Supplement

There are no officially established therapeutic doses for resveratrol recognised by UK regulatory authorities. The following guidance reflects commonly used doses in research and commercial products.

Typical dosage ranges for resveratrol: Clinical trials have employed doses from 150 mg to 2,000 mg daily, though most supplements contain 100–500 mg per serving. Trans-resveratrol (the active isomer) content should be specified on quality products. There is no established UK safe upper level for resveratrol.

Important note on NMN: As NMN is not currently authorised for use in food supplements in Great Britain (having novel food status requiring prior authorisation), no dosage guidance can be provided for UK consumers.

How to take resveratrol supplements:

• These supplements are typically taken orally in capsule or powder form

• Resveratrol has generally poor bioavailability, and while some sources suggest taking it with food, evidence for optimal timing or enhanced absorption with fats is mixed

• Consistency is important—if choosing to use these supplements, regular daily intake is typically recommended based on the half-life of the compound

• Always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for the product you are using

Important considerations:

• Start with the lower end of the dosage range to assess tolerance

• Do not exceed recommended doses without professional guidance

• Quality varies significantly between brands—look for products with third-party testing and clear labelling of active ingredient content

• Be aware that bioavailability (the proportion absorbed and utilised by the body) can be limited for resveratrol

When to seek medical advice:

• Before starting supplementation if you have any medical conditions or take regular medications

• If you experience persistent side effects or adverse reactions (report these via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme)

• If you are considering these supplements as part of managing a health condition—they are not substitutes for evidence-based medical treatment

The NHS does not currently recommend resveratrol supplementation for any specific health condition, and these products should not replace a balanced diet, regular physical activity, or prescribed medical treatments. If you are interested in optimising healthy ageing or metabolic health, speak with your GP about evidence-based interventions that may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions