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MOTS-c

Metabolic & weight lossLongevity & anti-aging

Also known as: Mitochondrial ORF of the twelve S rRNA type-c, Mitochondrial derived peptide

A small mitochondrial peptide studied for energy metabolism, fat handling, and healthy aging.

Safety:Almost all of the evidence is from animals and cells. Human data is limited, so treat any human benefits as unproven.

2.What it is / mechanism

MOTS-c is a short peptide encoded inside mitochondrial DNA, which makes it unusual. It acts like an energy signal. Its best studied effect is turning on AMPK, a master switch that tells cells to burn fat and handle glucose better, especially under stress, exercise, or aging. Because the body makes it naturally, it is often framed as a metabolism and longevity peptide.s1

3.What the evidence supports

  • Animal data onlyTurns on AMPK and shifts cells toward burning fat and handling glucose better.s1

    Its most studied effect, shown in cell and animal work.

  • Animal data onlyImproves metabolic health, exercise capacity, and markers of aging.s1, s2

    The preclinical findings are interesting, but human data is limited and still emerging.

  • Anecdotal onlyUsed by people for fat loss, energy, and longevity.

    Community use runs ahead of the human evidence.

4.Dosing

Anecdotal only
Route(s)subcutaneous
Typical rangeAbout 5 to 10 mg per week, often split as 5 mg two to three times a week.
Frequency2 to 3 times per week
Cycle guidanceUsually run in 4 to 8 week cycles.
NotesHuman dosing comes from community practice, not trials. Animal data points to a short blood , roughly 1 to 2 hours, so MOTS-c does not build up in the blood. The spread out schedule reflects how long its effects seem to last, not how long it stays in the blood.
s1

5.Reconstitution

Vial sizes5 mg, 10 mg
DiluentBacteriostatic water for multi dose vials, or sterile water for single use
ConcentrationExample: a 10 mg vial plus 1 mL of water gives 10 mg/mL, so a 5 mg dose is 0.5 mL, which is 50 units on a U-100 syringe. Add more water for a smaller draw.
NotesMOTS-c usually ships as 5 mg or 10 mg freeze dried vials.

Reconstitution calculator

Pick your vial size and how much water you add to see the draw volume and syringe units for a dose. Open the full calculator →

Inputs

Reminder: 1 mg = 1,000 mcg

mg

Total amount stated on the vial, e.g. 5 mg.

mL

How much diluent you draw into the vial.

mcg

Target dose per injection, in mcg. 1 mg = 1,000 mcg.

Result

Draw to

10 units

= 0.1 mL on your syringe

Concentration
2,500 mcg/mL
Per unit
25 mcg / unit
Doses per vial
20

Educational estimate only. Not medical or dosing advice. Verify every calculation independently before use.

General reconstitution technique →

6.Storage & stability

Lyophilized (dry)

TempFreeze for long term storage, or 2 to 8 short term
Shelf lifeMany months when frozen
NotesKeep dry and out of light until you mix it.

Reconstituted

Temp2 to 8 (refrigerated)
Shelf lifeAbout 2 to 4 weeks
NotesDo not freeze after mixing. Discard if cloudy or discolored.

General storage & stability guide →

7.Reported side effects

  • WarningUnknown long term risks, since there is no long term human safety datas1
  • CautionInjection site redness or irritation(common)s1
  • CautionMild tiredness or lethargy early on(uncommon)s1Sometimes reported as the body adjusts to the metabolic effect.

8.Interactions & stacking risks

  • CautionBlood sugar lowering medicines

    Because it may improve glucose handling, watch for additive effects if you already take diabetes medicine.

9.Contraindications / who should avoid

  • SeriousPregnancy or breastfeeding

    No safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

10.COA & purity notes

Common adulterantsunderdosed or mislabeled vials, material sold with poor stability, since these peptides degrade easily
MislabelingMitochondrial peptides are fragile and can degrade, so storage and a recent COA matter.
NotesSold as unregulated research material.

How to read a COA →

11.Sources

  1. [s1]PMC (peer reviewed review) (2016). MOTS-c: a novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism. review link
  2. [s2]PMC (preclinical study) (2025). MOTS-c restores mitochondrial respiration in the type 2 diabetic heart. preclinical animal link

Last reviewed 2026-07-08 · status: reviewed