A peptide discovered in 2015 that's actually encoded in your mitochondrial DNA (which is unusual). It flips your body's metabolic master switch (AMPK), making your cells more sensitive to insulin, better at burning fat, and essentially mimicking the effects of exercise at a cellular level. When stacked with SS-31, NAD+, and Retatrutide, it creates a four-way metabolic boost through four different pathways.
What to Expect
Week 1–2
Subtle improvement in exercise capacity and metabolic flexibility. Enhanced glucose uptake during physical activity. Mild increase in energy.
Week 3–6
Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. Better exercise performance and recovery. Possible mild fat loss from enhanced fatty acid oxidation.
Week 8+
Sustained metabolic optimization. Improved mitochondrial function. Enhanced exercise adaptation. Potential longevity-associated epigenetic changes.
Common Side Effects
Scientific Overview
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome — one of only a handful of known mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs). It activates AMPK signaling, enhances glucose uptake independent of insulin, and promotes fatty acid oxidation. MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate nuclear gene expression related to antioxidant response. Exercise-induced MOTS-c increases have been documented, suggesting it mediates some exercise benefits.
Dosing
5-10 mg subq per week, split into 2-3 doses. Best taken on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before exercise. Start at 5 mg/week.
Practical Guide
Reconstitution
Mix 5mg vial with 1mL BAC water. Typical dose is 5-10mg per injection.
Storage
Refrigerate after reconstitution. Use within 21 days.
Injection Sites
Subcutaneous with insulin syringe. Some protocols use intramuscular for exercise-mimetic effects.
Timing
Morning dosing or 30-60 minutes before exercise. 5 days on, 2 days off is a common protocol.
Food
No significant food interactions. May enhance exercise performance — some dose pre-workout.
Benefit Profile
Medical Considerations
Contraindications
- ✕Pregnancy/nursing
- ✕Hypoglycemia-prone conditions
- ✕Type 1 diabetes (insulin-independent glucose uptake)
Drug Interactions
Recommended Monitoring
- →Fasting glucose
- →Monitor for hypoglycemia if on diabetes medications
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Published Research
MOTS-c in type 2 diabetes mellitus: From risk factors to cardiac complications and potential treatment.
The correlation between mitochondrial derived peptide (MDP) and metabolic states: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Mitochondrial-derived peptides: Antidiabetic functions and evolutionary perspectives.
MOTS-c Functionally Prevents Metabolic Disorders.
MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation.
MOTS-c: A potential anti-pulmonary fibrosis factor derived by mitochondria.
Role of MOTS-c in the regulation of bone metabolism.
Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c, Diabetes, and Aging-Related Diseases.
Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c: effects and mechanisms related to stress, metabolism and aging.
Mitochondrial stress and mitokines in aging.