MOTS-c
Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c
Mitochondrial peptide — metabolic switch
LongevityFat LossMuscle Growth ★ 78
Half-life
Short, but effects last 24+ hours
Cycle
6-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off.
Storage
Lyophilized: freezer. Reconstituted: 2-8°C, 14 days.
Research
Strong preclinical, first clinical trials underway
About
A naturally occurring peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA. Increases AMPK activity, improves glucose tolerance and metabolic flexibility.
Mechanism
Activates the AMPK pathway, promoting fat oxidation, glucose utilization, and mitochondrial health.
Dosage
5 mg
3x per week
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Draw to 100 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
10 mg · 2 mL BAC
Route
SubQ
Duration
4-6 weeks
When to take: Pre-workout or in the morning on an empty stomach.
Reconstitution
Vial size (mg): 10 mg · BAC water (mL): 2 mL · Concentration: 5 mg/mL
Relatively expensive — measure precisely.
Benefits
- Improved mitochondrial function
- Increased insulin sensitivity
- Fat loss
- Improved energy
- Slower aging (animal data)
- Improved athletic performance
Side effects
- Generally very well tolerated
- Rare: mild fatigue at first
Gender notes
Same dose. Popular for performance.
Cautions
- Pregnancy (no research)
- Type 1 diabetes (caution — monitor blood glucose)
Research
- Lee C et al: MOTS-c regulates insulin sensitivity
Cell Metabolism · 2015
Landmark study that defined MOTS-c and its activity.
- Reynolds JC et al: MOTS-c improves muscle insulin sensitivity
Nature Communications · 2021
MOTS-c improves muscle metabolic health and endurance performance in mice.