MOTS-c Dosage
Scientists searching for ways to improve health and extend life are now focused on a new potentially promising area: mitochondria produced peptides. One in particular, called MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 125 rRNA type -C), has been in the spotlight.
This tiny but mighty molecule plays a vital role in the process of how our cells metabolize energy, help with metabolism and remain healthy in general. By helping control how the body metabolizes energy and enhancing performance at the mitochondrial level, MOTS-c may hold real promise in reversing certain aspects of aging.
Dosage Chart
| User Profile | Dosage Range (mcg per injection) | Frequency | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 5–10 mcg | 2–3x per week | 2–4 weeks (1 cycle) | Start at a lower dose to assess tolerance. |
| Intermediate | 10–15 mcg | 3x per week | 4–6 weeks (1 cycle) | May increase frequency if well-tolerated. |
| Experienced / Research* | 15–20 mcg | 3–5x per week | 6–8 weeks (1 cycle) | Often used in advanced anti-aging or metabolic research protocols. |
| Age-Related Use Case | 10 mcg | 3x per week | Ongoing (with breaks) | Used for potential benefits in mitochondrial support and insulin health. |
What is MOTS-c?
MOTS’c is an acronym for “Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA’c.” It is a small peptide that is encoded from mitochondrial DNA-specifically, the gene for 12S rRNA.
It consists of 16 amino acids and is particularly active when the body is stressed or you have done a lot of exercise. One of its major functions is to assist the body maintain an internal stable environment, or homeostasis, particularly in terms of energy and stress management. MOTS-c acts via a pathway called Folate-AICAR-AMPK, which is used for regulating metabolism.
Through this mechanism, MOTS-c affects the body’s metabolism, its response to inflammation, and insulin regulation. It’s also linked to the body’s aging process as well as a range of conditions that aging brings.
You can find MOTS-c in other tissues of the body and even in the bloodstream. Interestingly, its levels go down as we get older. MOTS-c has the potential to protect against age-related conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, postmenopausal obesity, and even Alzheimer’s disease, some research indicates.
MOTS-c Benefits
Boosts Metabolism
Animal testing has shown that MOTS-c can improve the body’s ability to handle sugar and respond to insulin. These effects could be especially valuable for the management of age-related diseases like type 2 diabetes.
Assists in Keeping Mitochondria Working Properly
As we age, our mitochondria-the energy-producing parts of our cells-become less efficient. MOTS-c maintains them in proper working conditions, and this may lower the risk of cell damage and disease.
Assists with Muscle Strength and Endurance
Over time we tend to lose muscle function and muscle mass. MOTS-c has been linked to increased muscle size and endurance, which makes it easier to sustain energy and mobility.
Assists the Body in Adapting to Stress
When we’re stressed, our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. In short doses, these are harmless. But constant stress leaves these hormones in our system, and over time, they can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and other serious health conditions.
MOTS-c has been found to enable cells to handle stress better. By doing so, it may be able to reduce the speed at which stress speeds up cell-based aging.
Aids in DNA Repair and Cell Cleanup
DNA damage and tear and wear on cell components are a normal byproduct of aging-but too much of them can speed up this process. MOTS-c has shown that it may help cells repair their DNA and remove components that are no longer functioning (a process called autophagy). Both processes are vital to keeping cells in good condition as we age.
Dosage Calculator
Getting Started
Many patients who have tried MOTS-c start with a lower dose-ordinarily 5 mg to 10 mg per injection-to see how their body will respond. The initial dose helps the adjust tolerance before they increase the dose.
Protocols vary, yet some find it helpful to inject a drug daily, while others take a break and inject every other day.
Changing Over Time
As your body acclimates, the dose may be raised or lowered based on your intentions, whether you want to boost energy, manage weight, or enhance body performance. The trick is striking the correct balance-enough to notice the benefits without suffering from side effects.
Long-Term or Cycling
Once you’ve noticed consistent improvements-like better stamina during workouts or changes in body composition-you might choose to move to a maintenance phase. This could mean lowering the dose or taking regular breaks (cycling) to prevent your body from adapting too much.
Each person’s routine will vary, depending on how they respond and what they’re aiming for.
Injection
MOTS-c is mostly given as a subcutaneous injection, so it goes just under the skin. The abdominal area is a favorite location for it, and a small insulin syringe is usually used.
It is important to be clean. Only use sterile water to dilute the peptide, clean the injection site first and properly dispose of the needles afterwards.
MOTS-c has been popular for quite some time for its ability to boost metabolism, energy, and exercise performance. Just remember that you will see different effects ranging from one person to another. If you’re considering taking it, ensure that you inject with proper technique and speak with a healthcare professional to confirm it is a healthy and safe option for your specific health situation.
References:
- Mohtashami Z, Singh MK, Salimiaghdam N, Ozgul M, Kenney MC. Most Recent Mitochondrial Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Oct 9;23(19):11991. doi: 10.3390/ijms231911991. PMID: 36233287; PMCID: PMC9570330.
- Lu H, Wei M, Zhai Y, Li Q, Ye Z, Wang L, Luo W, Chen J, Lu Z. MOTS-c peptide regulates adipose homeostasis to prevent ovariectomy-induced metabolic dysfunction. J Mol Med (Berl). 2019 Apr;97(4):473-485. doi: 10.1007/s00109-018-01738-w. Epub 2019 Feb 6. PMID: 30725119. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30725119/
- Kim KH, Son JM, Benayoun BA, Lee C. The Mitochondrial-Encoded Peptide MOTS-c Translocates to the Nucleus to Regulate Nuclear Gene Expression in Response to Metabolic Stress. Cell Metab. 2018 Sep 4;28(3):516-524.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.06.008. Epub 2018 Jul 5. PMID: 29983246; PMCID: PMC6185997. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6185997/
- Noriyuki Fuku el al., The mitochondrial-derived peptide: A player in exceptional longevity?, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/acel.12389.
- Noriyuki Fuku el al., The mitochondrial-derived peptide: A player in exceptional longevity?, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/acel.12389.