MOTS-c (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. It functions as an exercise mimetic and metabolic regulator; circulating levels decline with aging and obesity. This page covers the 10 mg vial.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Once daily | Half-life: ~3 hours
Standard Approach (3 mL = 3.33 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 3 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 3.33 mg/mL. Volume per dose changes with concentration; mg dose itself does not change between vial sizes.
| Phase / Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Doses per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 (titration) | 200 mcg | 6 units | 0.060 mL | 50 doses |
| Weeks 3–4 | 400 mcg | 12 units | 0.12 mL | 25 doses |
| Weeks 5–6 | 600 mcg | 18 units | 0.18 mL | 16 doses |
| Weeks 7–8 | 800 mcg | 24 units | 0.24 mL | 12 doses |
| Weeks 9–10+ (target) | 1 mg | 30 units | 0.30 mL | 10 doses |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 3 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 7 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 600 mcg per dose, once daily (7 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| MOTS-c (10 mg) vials | 4 vials | 6 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 56 | 84 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 2 × 10 mL | 2 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
MOTS-c is positioned as an exercise mimetic — the effects compound when paired with regular training, less so without. Most protocols run 4–8 weeks of consistent dosing followed by a break, on the rationale that mitochondrial adaptation needs time to consolidate.
Effects are subtle and cumulative. Most users report improvements in endurance and post-exercise recovery by week 3–4 rather than acute changes day-to-day.
Dosing Protocol
Daily titration approach (subcutaneous):
- Weeks 1–2 (titration): 200 mcg/day. Once daily; assess tolerability.
- Weeks 3–4: 400 mcg/day. First step up.
- Weeks 5–6: 600 mcg/day. Second step up.
- Weeks 7–8: 800 mcg/day. Third step up.
- Weeks 9–10+ (target): 1000 mcg (1 mg) /day. Target maintenance.
Cycle structure: 4–8 weeks on, 2–4 weeks off. Mitochondrial biogenesis adaptations carry into the off-cycle window.
Timing: Morning post-fasted dosing aligns with the natural exercise-window mimic. Pre-cardio dosing is anecdotally favored.
Note: Some research literature explores higher mg-range dosing — see the MOTS-c 40 mg / 4 mL Option page for the higher-dose Advanced patterns (25 / 30 / 45 mg/week).
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 7 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
MOTS-c is encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene — one of the few human peptides with mitochondrial DNA origin. Under metabolic stress it translocates from mitochondria to the nucleus, regulating gene expression alongside AMPK signaling.
Effects include AMPK activation, upregulation of fatty-acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. In animal models it produces exercise-mimetic effects: improved running endurance, glucose disposal, and reduced adiposity on high-fat diet.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Exercise-mimetic effects — improved endurance and skeletal-muscle metabolism.
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal.
- Reduced adiposity on high-fat diet (rodent models).
- Mitigation of age-related muscle decline.
Side Effect Profile
- Generally well-tolerated.
- Mild injection-site reactions possible.
- Theoretical hypoglycemia risk if combined with insulin sensitizers.
Lifestyle Factors
- Pair with regular exercise — MOTS-c amplifies exercise-induced adaptation.
- Adequate sleep supports mitochondrial recovery.
- Strength training 2–3×/week complements the metabolic effects.
- Mediterranean-style diet supports mitochondrial health.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites with each dose.
- 90° angle with short insulin needle.
- Some research protocols use morning post-fasted dosing.