A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied for metabolic regulation and exercise capacity, mostly in animal models, with very limited human data so far.
Reviewed for accuracy · Last reviewed July 7, 2026MOTS-c is a short peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA rather than the cell nucleus, one of a small group of so-called mitochondrial-derived peptides. It's studied for its role in metabolic regulation and, in animal work, for exercise capacity and how cells handle energy under stress.
The important caveat is that almost all of this evidence comes from cell and animal models. Human data is very limited, so specific claims about what MOTS-c does in people should be treated as preliminary rather than established.
There is no established human dosing guideline. Community protocols cite 5 – 10 mg subcutaneously one to three times weekly, extrapolated from preclinical work rather than human trials.
Read the full MOTS-c dosage guide →Side-effect reporting is sparse because adequately powered human trials of exogenous MOTS-c do not exist. Reported effects are mostly local, such as injection-site irritation, with the honest caveat that its human safety profile is not established.
Read the full MOTS-c side effects guide →Keep unmixed vials refrigerated and away from light. Once reconstituted, most research reports store it refrigerated for roughly 4 weeks. See the full storage & safety guide for handling and disposal basics.
This page is an independent educational reference and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before starting any compound.