MOTS-c

Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-c

MOTS-c isn't synthetic — your mitochondria actually make it. Levels drop as you age, and topping them back up seems to restore metabolic function that time degraded. Animal data shows improved exercise capacity, better glucose handling, and protection against age-related metabolic decline. People who run it describe a sustained, clean energy increase — not a stimulant spike, more like your body remembering what 25 felt like. The human trial is still recruiting, so we're working from animal data and community reports for now.

Protocol

Dose: 5-10mg per injection | Frequency: 2-3x per week | Cycle: 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off | Route: SubQ

Reconstitution: 2mL bacteriostatic water per 10mg vial. Use our free reconstitution calculator for exact syringe units.

Effects

• Improved energy levels (68%) — Users report a sustained, clean energy increase rather than a stimulant-like spike
• Enhanced exercise performance (55%) — Better endurance and stamina during workouts, especially cardio
• Improved insulin sensitivity (50%) — Better glucose handling and reduced fasting blood sugar reported in metabolically impaired users
• Body composition improvement (40%) — Gradual fat loss and improved lean mass, likely downstream of metabolic improvements

Side Effects

• Injection-site reaction (15%) — Little red bump or swelling where you pinned. Standard, clears up fast.
• Transient fatigue (12%) — You might feel wiped the first week or two while your mitochondria recalibrate. It flips — then you feel better than before.
• Headache (8%) — Mild headache early on. Your body's adjusting. Usually gone in a few days.
• Heart rate changes (5%) — Some people notice their resting heart rate ticks up slightly. Worth keeping an eye on with a watch or ring.

Evidence

Emerging evidence — MOTS-c is encoded in mitochondrial DNA and naturally declines with age. Preclinical data shows it improves insulin sensitivity, exercise capacity, and metabolic function. A human trial (MOTS-MET) has been recruiting but no results published yet. The longevity community is very interested, but the human data is still catching up.

Approval status: Not approved

References

1. Lee C et al. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance Cell Metab, 2015. PMID: 25738459
2. Zarse K et al. A mitochondrially encoded hormone ameliorates obesity and insulin resistance Cell Metab, 2015. PMID: 25738453
3. Reynolds JC et al. MOTS-c is an exercise-induced mitochondrial-encoded regulator of age-dependent physical decline and muscle homeostasis Nat Commun, 2021. PMID: 33473109
4. Wan W et al. Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging J Transl Med, 2023. PMID: 36670507
5. Ramanjaneya M et al. Lipids and insulin regulate mitochondrial-derived peptide (MOTS-c) in PCOS and healthy subjects Clin Endocrinol (Oxf), 2019. PMID: 31066084
6. Lu H et al. Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Increases Adipose Thermogenic Activation to Promote Cold Adaptation Int J Mol Sci, 2019. PMID: 31109005

Storage

• Lyophilized: Refrigerate at 2-8C. MOTS-c is relatively stable but keep it cold.
• Reconstituted: Refrigerate. Use within 3-4 weeks.
• Water: Bacteriostatic water, 2mL per 10mg vial.
• Needle: 29-30 gauge, 0.5 inch for subcutaneous injection

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any protocol.

vialprep research · Sources: PubMed, FDA, peer-reviewed trials · How we verify