MOTS-c calculator
A mitochondria-encoded peptide studied for effects on metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Human evidence is early.
Also known as: Mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c
FDA status — not an approved drug Not FDA-approved for any use. MOTS-c is a research peptide and is not reviewed by FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality.
This draw does not fit the selected syringe.200 units exceeds the 100-unit barrel. Choose a larger syringe, use less bacteriostatic water, or split the dose.
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What MOTS-c is
MOTS-c is a short peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA, part of a class of 'mitochondrial-derived peptides' involved in metabolic regulation. Animal studies showed improved insulin sensitivity and exercise capacity, which has made it popular in longevity and metabolic circles. Human evidence remains early.
Research depth: 2/5 Promising animal metabolic data; human studies are preliminary. Human trials: Early-phase only. This measures how much has been studied — counting animal and laboratory work — not whether it works for you.
How MOTS-c works
MOTS-c appears to act on skeletal muscle to activate AMPK and improve glucose uptake, mimicking some effects of exercise at the cellular level. It also seems to translocate to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate gene expression. Whether these mechanisms produce clinical benefit in humans is unproven.
MOTS-c side effects
Commonly reported
- Injection-site reactions
- No systematic human safety data
- Theoretical metabolic effects under study
Serious — seek medical care
- Unknown long-term safety in humans
- Effects on glucose metabolism could matter for people on diabetes medications
- Unregulated products carry purity and sterility risks
This list is not exhaustive. Report anything unexpected to the clinician who prescribed it. If you have severe abdominal pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek care the same day. See also our guide to peptide side effects by class.
A worked example
A 10 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 5 mg/mL. A 10000 mcg dose is then 2 mL — about 200 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe, giving roughly 1 doses per vial before accounting for residual volume left in the vial and syringe.
Prefer paper? Download the printable MOTS-c dosing chart (PDF) — every vial size and water volume in syringe units, with the same review byline as this page. All charts →
Commonly cited dose range
Figures circulating for MOTS-c run from 5000 mcg to 15000 mcg. Figures circulating in research and community use. Shown in micrograms. There is no established human dose and no approved labeling.
Read this as reference information, not instruction. These numbers describe what is commonly discussed, not what is right for any individual. Dose, frequency, and whether to use MOTS-c at all are decisions for a licensed clinician who knows your history.
Common questions
Is MOTS-c approved?
No. MOTS-c is a research peptide with no approved human use.
What does MOTS-c do?
In animal studies it improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic function, particularly in muscle. Human data is preliminary and does not yet establish any clinical benefit.