MOTS-c
Mitochondrial DNA-encoded peptide that activates AMPK, improving insulin sensitivity, fat burning, and mimicking exercise at the cellular level. Stacks well with SS-31 and NAD+.
Key Facts
- ClassificationMOTS-c is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide.
- Primary BenefitsFat Loss (8/10) · Longevity (7/10) · Muscle Growth (4/10)
- AdministrationInjection
- Typical Dose5-10 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.
- Evidence StrengthEmerging — 20 peer-reviewed studies referenced · Community sentiment 9/10
- Stacks Well WithSS-31, NAD+, Epithalon, Retatrutide
- Legal StatusResearch Use Only · not prescribable in US
Quick Facts
- From price
- $53
- Type
- peptide
- Administration
- Injection
- Evidence
- emerging
- Studies referenced
- 20
- Community sentiment
- 9/10
- Stacks with
- 5 peptides
- Regulatory
- Research Use Only
Top benefits
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 is a 16-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide. Activates AMPK, enhances insulin-independent glucose uptake, and promotes fatty acid oxidation. Translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate antioxidant response genes. Exercise-induced increases suggest 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.
Reconstitution, storage, injection sites & timing
Benefit Profile
| Vendor | Variant | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limitless Biotech | 5mg | $54.99 | Code: PSTACK10Buy |
| Skye Peptides | 5mg | $52.99BEST | |
| Peptide Sciences ✕ Announced voluntary shutdown — stock availability may be limited or unavailable. Pricing data may be outdated. | 5mg | $65.00 | Out of stock |
Stacks Well With
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Engineered to target inner mitochondrial membrane via cardiolipin binding. Stabilizes cristae, improves ATP production, and reduces oxidative stress. FDA-approved for Barth syndrome (as Forzinity) — the first FDA-approved mitochondria-targeted therapy.
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)
Critical molecule for cellular energy and DNA repair. Levels may drop ~50% by middle age. Activates sirtuin longevity genes and powers PARP DNA repair enzymes. Injectable form bypasses oral absorption issues.
Epithalon (Epitalon)
Longevity peptide from the pineal gland. Activates telomerase to protect DNA caps and restores melatonin production. Russian studies showed 11-16% lifespan increase in animals.
Retatrutide
Next-gen triple agonist from Eli Lilly hitting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Phase 2 showed 24.2% weight loss at 48 weeks — highest of any incretin therapy. At low doses, optimizes metabolism without major weight loss.
5-Amino-1MQ
Small molecule blocking NNMT, an enzyme that slows metabolism. Increases NAD+ production and energy expenditure. Promotes fat loss and may fix metabolic issues.
Compare
MOTS-c and Humanin are both mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) -- peptides encoded within mitochondrial DNA rather than nuclear DNA. This is a relatively recent discovery in biology, and both peptides are being studied for their roles in metabolic regulation and cellular protection.
NAD+ vs MOTS-c vs SS-31: Mitochondrial Peptide ComparisonNAD+, MOTS-c, and SS-31 (Elamipretide) all target mitochondrial function, but through fundamentally different mechanisms. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme -- not technically a peptide -- that fuels critical mitochondrial enzymes and sirtuins. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial genome that activates AMPK and mimics the metabolic benefits of exercise. SS-31 is a synthetic tetrapeptide that binds cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizing cristae structure and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these three compounds are sometimes referred to as the "mitochondrial trifecta" in longevity research communities, each addressing a different layer of mitochondrial health.
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