Supplement Scholar
Peptide

MOTS-c

Prescription drug or research compound. Use only under the care of a licensed prescriber. Information here is educational and not a recommendation to obtain or use it.

MOTS-c. Mitochondrial-derived peptide for metabolic regulation.

How it works. Activates AMPK and folate-methionine cycle.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Improves insulin sensitivity (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: Research only.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR), Omega-3.

Common forms. Available as Subcutaneous injection, Oral or sublingual lozenge, Nasal spray, Compounded topical.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried MOTS-c. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

MOTS-c. Mitochondrial-derived peptide for metabolic regulation.

16-residue chainC101H152N28O22S2 · 2174.6 g/mol

What it is

Mitochondrial-derived peptide for metabolic regulation.

Food sources

Synthetic peptide manufactured to pharmaceutical or research-grade puritySubcutaneous injection, sublingual, or oral preparation depending on bioavailabilityCompounded by a licensed pharmacy for clinical use

Goals

Healthy Aging

How it works

Activates AMPK and folate-methionine cycle.

Pathways

  • Activates AMPK
  • folate-methionine cycle

Effects

  • +insulin sensitivity supports

What the research supports

Improves insulin sensitivitymoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
Research only
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the subcutaneous injection form.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Insufficient human data

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose MOTS-c use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR)Complementary mitochondrial and sirtuin support.
  • Omega-3Lowers inflammation and supports membrane integrity.

Common forms

  • Subcutaneous injection
  • Oral or sublingual lozenge
  • Nasal spray
  • Compounded topical

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: MOTS-c — Improves insulin sensitivity ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MOTS-c and "Improves insulin sensitivity". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: MOTS-c — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MOTS-c and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: MOTS-c — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching MOTS-c and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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