This page helps you understand what to track for MOTS-c. It is not medical advice, a prescription, or a recommendation to use this peptide. Discuss dose, route, timing, storage, and safety with a qualified healthcare professional.
Overview
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene — one of a small family of 'mitochondrial-derived peptides.' It activates AMPK signalling, improves insulin sensitivity, regulates metabolic homeostasis, and has been studied in models of obesity, T2D, and aging. Levels decline with age in humans, generating interest as a longevity-research target.
Also known as: Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c.
Mechanism and timing snapshot
Activates AMPK, improving glucose uptake, mitochondrial biogenesis, and metabolic flexibility. Translocates to nucleus to regulate stress-response gene expression. Endogenous levels fall with aging and metabolic disease.
Tracking defaults
These values come from Peppi's catalog so records can be prefilled consistently. They should be reviewed against your clinician's instructions before logging real-world use.
Catalog protocol note
5–10 mg subQ every 2–3 days for 4–8 weeks. Pre-fasted dosing leverages AMPK pathway.
Routes and site notes
Chemistry
Vial, reconstitution, and storage
Safety notes
Common and rare side effects listed in the catalog
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild injection-site reactions
- Hypoglycemia in fasted state
- Headache
Contraindications and warnings
- Pregnancy
- Active cancer (unknown effects on cancer-cell metabolism)
- Not FDA-approved.
- Long-term safety data in humans is very limited.
Other considerations
- Acts via AMPK — overlaps with metformin and exercise mechanisms.
- Effects on insulin sensitivity build over weeks.
- Pre-fasted dosing is the published research protocol; eating first blunts the signal.
Evidence and regulatory context
Stacking and cycle notes
Tracking tips
- Dose fasted for AMPK alignment — eating before blunts the signal.
- Effects build over weeks; not an acute fat-loss tool.
- Don't stack with metformin without monitoring — overlapping AMPK activation.
References
Track it in Peppi
Keep MOTS-c records organized.
Use Peppi for dose logs, vial inventory, storage dates, reminders, journal notes, photos, and clinician-ready reports.
FAQ
What should I track for MOTS-c?
Track the peptide name, dose amount and unit, route, vial label, timing, reconstitution or expiration dates, storage notes, and any symptoms or questions for clinician review.
Does Peppi tell me how to use MOTS-c?
No. Peppi organizes educational reference and your own records. Protocol decisions should come from a qualified healthcare professional.
Can I export MOTS-c records?
Peppi is designed to keep dose logs, vial inventory, journal notes, and reports easier to review and export.
Last reviewed: May 6, 2026