MOTS-c (40 mg Vial / 4 mL Option) 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 40 mg vial.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
40 mg vial calculations and four reconstitution checks
Community-reported use (4 mL = 10 mg/mL)
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 200 mcg (0.2 mg) | 2 units (0.02 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 400 mcg (0.4 mg) | 4 units (0.04 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 600 mcg (0.6 mg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 7–8 | 800 mcg (0.8 mg) | 8 units (0.08 mL) |
| Weeks 9–10+ | 1,000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 10 units (0.1 mL) |
Community-reported use: Online community descriptions commonly present these rows as once-daily subcutaneous administrations with stepwise increases. Human trials have not validated that schedule, frequency, or progression.
For ≤10‑unit (≤0.10 mL) administrations, consider 30‑ or 50‑unit insulin syringes for improved readability.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 4 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
- Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light. Follow documented, formulation-specific discard guidance.
Research reference only: The rows above translate reported community amounts into 40 mg vial concentration, U-100 units, and mL. They are not a clinical recommendation, standard of care, or evidence of safety or efficacy.
Supplies Needed
Calculated from the schedule above for a 40 mg vial reconstituted with 4 mL (one injection per day, two swabs per injection).
| Item | 8 weeks | 12 weeks | 16 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peptide vials (40 mg each) | 1 vial (28 mg total) | 2 vials (56 mg total) | 3 vials (84 mg total) |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 56 syringes | 84 syringes | 112 syringes |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL bottles) | 4 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle | 8 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle | 12 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles |
| Alcohol swabs | 112 swabs → 2 × 100-count boxes | 168 swabs → 2 × 100-count boxes | 224 swabs → 3 × 100-count boxes |
Protocol Overview
MOTS-c is positioned as an exercise mimetic — the effects compound when paired with regular training, less so without. Effects are subtle and cumulative.
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.