In this article we will dive into one of the most popular peptides in the anti aging and weight loss space. MOTS-C.
We will discuss
- What Is MOTS-C
- How MOTS-C works in the body
- How to USE MOTS-C (dosing, protocols, and more)
- My Experience with MOTS-C
- Benefits of MOTS-C
- Side Effects of MOTS-C and more!
What Is MOTS-C
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a relatively new peptide that has garnered attention in the scientific and health communities.
It is a small peptide encoded within the mitochondrial DNA, specifically from the 12S rRNA gene. Unlike most peptides, which are encoded by nuclear DNA, MOTS-c is unique due to its mitochondrial origin.
This discovery has opened new avenues for understanding mitochondrial function and its impact on overall health.
How MOTS-C Works In the Body
MOTS-c plays a critical role in regulating metabolic functions.
It works primarily by influencing the metabolic pathways in the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell. Here are the key mechanisms through which MOTS-c operates:
- Activation of AMPK Pathway: MOTS-c activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, a crucial energy sensor in cells. AMPK activation leads to enhanced glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation, promoting energy production and maintaining energy balance.
- Regulation of Insulin Sensitivity: By modulating insulin signaling pathways, MOTS-c helps improve insulin sensitivity. This regulation is essential for maintaining normal blood sugar levels and preventing insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
- Protection Against Oxidative Stress: MOTS-c exhibits antioxidant properties, protecting cells from oxidative damage. This is particularly important for mitochondrial health, as mitochondria are susceptible to oxidative stress due to their role in energy production.
- Enhancement of Cellular Metabolism: MOTS-c promotes the utilization of stored fats and glucose, aiding in efficient energy metabolism. This enhancement is beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing metabolic disorders.
How to USE MOTS-C (dosing, protocols, and more)
Many people use MOTS-C incorrectly. In order for MOTS-C to work properly you must pair it with things that optimize Mitochondrial function and health.
Some options for things to pair that boost mitochondrial function are…
- 5-Amino-1MQ
- NMN
- NAD+
- NAD
If your Mitochondria are not functioning properly then you can not expect to gain the full benefits of MOTS-C.
Typically when it comes to dosing I recommend people start low, assess their response and work up slowly.
Dosing can go anywhere from 2mg-10mg 3 times per week. Some people also will inject less frequently and more frequently.
If you are a beginner I would say start with 2-4 mg 3 times per week and work your way up to a dose of 6-10mg. I would run this for 4-6 weeks before taking a break for a few weeks then starting it back up.
My Experience with MOTS-C
For me MOTS-c was a wonder drug. Not only was my energy amazing. but my body was quickly morphing.
I definitely noticed a strong recomp effect as I was losing weight while growing in the gym. Of course I was also on testosterone and a sarm at the time, but the MOTS-c definitely helped.
Let’s talk about that boost in energy too as it definitely made me feel like I had unlimited energy both mental and physical.
In the gym I could do a considerable amount more sets, and outside the gym I felt like I had the mental energy to work for days and days.
It also was not an unnatural energy that would be too much and worsen your sleep, but something that felt very natural, and clean. In fact, according to my oura ring my sleep improved.
I used it at 4mg pinned 3 times per week for a total of 12mg
I also paired it with 200mg of 5-Amino-1MQ to gain the synergistic effect.
Between the energy and my body changing it really was an amazing compound that I will definitely be using again.
Benefits of MOTS-C
The potential benefits of MOTS-c are diverse, making it an intriguing subject for research and therapeutic applications.
Benefits go all the way from anti aging to fat loss and muscle building. There seems to be a very wide potential in ways this compound can be used.
- Metabolic Health: By improving insulin sensitivity and enhancing metabolic functions, MOTS-c may help prevent and manage metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Of course by improving this it can help improve one’s weight loss.
- Anti-Aging Properties: Due to its role in mitochondrial function and oxidative stress reduction, MOTS-c is being studied for its potential anti-aging effects. Improved mitochondrial health is linked to better cellular function and longevity. MOTS-c will have you looking and feeling young again.
- Weight Management: By promoting the breakdown of fats and glucose, MOTS-c can support weight loss efforts and prevent obesity-related complications. MOTS-C has also been shown to be able to help effectively boost metabolism.
- Enhanced Physical Performance: Some studies suggest that MOTS-c can improve physical endurance and exercise capacity by optimizing energy production and utilization in muscles. This is why MOTS-c is regarded as “exercise in a bottle”
- Osteoporosis: MOTS-c is able to help boost synthesis of type 1 collagen in bone. Which can help improve bone health and strength.
- Improved Heart health: In the research there is some reason to believe that it can be helpful for heart health. Lower levels of MOTS-c correlate with higher levels of endothelial cell dysfunction.
Side Effects of MOTS-C
As with any peptide or therapeutic intervention, it is crucial to consider potential side effects. While research on MOTS-c is still in its early stages, some reported side effects include:
Nausea and Gastrointestinal Issues: Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea or diarrhea.
Headaches: There have been occasional reports of headaches following MOTS-c administration.
Hypoglycemia: Due to its effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, MOTS-c could potentially cause low blood sugar levels in some individuals.
Allergic Reactions: As with any peptide, there is a risk of allergic reactions, although these are rare.
Who Should Use MOTS-C?
In my opinion I think there are a few main groups who should be using MOTS-c.
- If you are looking for some anti aging benefits, and to have that energy that you had when you were younger MOTS-c is a great option for you
- If you are looking to improve your metabolic health I think MOTS-c can be amazing in that.
- If you are looking to help aid in your fat loss and or muscle building I think MOTS-c can help compliment most stacks.
Conclusion
In conclusion MOTS-c is a peptide that has gained tons of popularity in the space and really for good reason.
Its ability to help improve health, fitness, anti aging, fat loss, muscle building, and just about everything else gives it amazing potential for a very large group of people.
It is always amazing to see compounds that can help aid in weight loss that do not come with tons of side effects like old school fat burners like clen and ECA.
I also think the energy and the nootropic benefits of MOTS-c make it perfect for anyone who feels low energy or a bit sluggish.
So whether you are looking to look and feel younger, improve your health, or lose weight, MOTS-c can definitely be a great peptide for you!
Works Cited
- Zheng Y, Wei Z, Wang T. MOTS-c: A promising mitochondrial-derived peptide for therapeutic exploitation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Jan 25;14:1120533. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1120533. PMID: 36761202; PMCID: PMC9905433.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20790-0
- Mohtashami Z, Singh MK, Salimiaghdam N, Ozgul M, Kenney MC. MOTS-c, the Most Recent Mitochondrial Derived Peptide in Human Aging and Age-Related Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Oct 9;23(19):11991. doi: 10.3390/ijms231911991. PMID: 36233287; PMCID: PMC9570330.
- https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-023-03885-2
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/19/14951#:~:text=MOTS%2Dc%20originates%20in%20the,folate%2DAICAR%2DAMPK%20pathway.
