MOTS-C Dosing Protocol: 5 mg Vial — Mitochondrial Hormone & Exercise Guide
MOTS-C mitochondrial-derived peptide dosing guide — AMPK activation, insulin sensitization, and exercise performance via the one-carbon metabolic cycle.
Quickstart highlights
MOTS-C (Mitochondrial Open reading frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome — one of the few mitochondria-encoded peptides with known systemic endocrine function.
- Concentration: 2 mg/mL (5 mg vial + 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water).
- At 2 mg/mL: 5 mg = 250 units (2.5 mL); use 3 mL syringe per injection.
- Kim et al. 2015: MOTS-C reverses diet-induced insulin resistance via AMPK-FOXO1 activation.
- Inject before exercise sessions; MOTS-C is elevated endogenously during intense exercise.
- Store lyophilized at -20 °C; reconstituted at 2–8 °C, use within 14 days.
Dosing table
For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.
| Week | Dose (µg) | Units | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 5000 | 250 | 3x weekly (Mon/Wed/Fri) | 5 mg 3x/week — 250 units each; one 5 mg vial = 1 injection at this dose; starting protocol |
| 5-12 | 5000 | 250 | 5x weekly (Mon–Fri) | 5 mg 5x/week — research protocol used in Bharat Bhakta lab data; weekend rest allows physiological integration |
MOTS-C Dosage Calculator
This free peptide calculator shows the exact insulin-syringe units to draw for MOTS-C. Enter your vial size, bacteriostatic water and target dose — it’s pre-loaded with common MOTS-C reconstitution defaults, so you can adjust any field to match your own vial.
Your free MOTS-C tracker
- Dose reminders
- Injection logging
- Cycle progress
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 2.5 mL bacteriostatic water; inject slowly down the vial wall.
- Swirl gently until dissolved; do not shake.
- Final concentration: 2 mg/mL. At 2 mg/mL: 5 mg = 250 units — use a 1 mL insulin syringe filled to 100 units x 2.5 draws, or a 3 mL syringe.
- Label with date; refrigerate at 2–8 °C. Use within 28 days.
Supplies needed
12-week plan
- 36 vials
- 36 syringes
- 90 mL bac water
- 36 alcohol swabs
Protocol overview & cycle notes
Activate the mitochondrial-derived MOTS-C hormone pathway to improve insulin sensitivity, enhance AMPK signaling, and promote exercise-adapted metabolic gene programs through regular subcutaneous injections before training sessions.
Cycle length: 12 weeks on.
Off-cycle: 4 weeks off after 12-week cycle.
Storage & handling
Injection & tracking tips
- Inject subcutaneously 30–60 minutes before exercise to maximize AMPK-mediated glucose uptake and fat oxidation during the training session.
- MOTS-C penetrates the nucleus during stress and directly activates AMPK-dependent gene programs — injection timing with exercise amplifies this metabolic programming.
- Weekend rest from injection (if using weekday-only protocol) aligns with lower training stimulus; mitochondrial adaptations continue during rest days.
Tracking
Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.
- Measure HOMA-IR and fasting insulin at baseline and 8 weeks.
- Track exercise performance weekly (same workout, record time/weight lifted/reps).
- Monitor body weight and waist circumference weekly.
How this works & references
Sources
- The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Lee C et al. — Cell Metab — 2015
- Source: Kim SJ et al. — MOTS-C peptide improves exercise capacity in aging mice. Nat Aging. 2021
Frequently asked questions
What is MOTS-C and why is it called a mitochondrial hormone?
Is MOTS-C available as a supplement?
How does MOTS-C generate AICAR endogenously?
Can MOTS-C improve age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia)?
Is MOTS-C on the WADA prohibited list?
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View protocolThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.