Research-only — no human approvalAlso: Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA-c

MOTS-c Dosage Chart

Practitioner protocols for the mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c, with the caveat that human safety and efficacy data are very early.

Written by
Megan Williams
Editor-in-Chief
Reviewed by
Brian Williams
Co-founder & Research Editor
Last updated
April 25, 2026

Educational tool — not medical advice. This calculator provides estimates based on population averages and published trial data. Outputs are not clinical recommendations and do not replace evaluation by a qualified prescriber. Do not start, stop, or change a peptide therapy based on the result of this tool.

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Preclinical work in animal models suggests roles in metabolic regulation, insulin sensitivity, and exercise response. Human data are very limited — a small number of pilot studies and observational data, no FDA approval, no large RCTs. Protocols are essentially research-experimental.

MOTS-c at a Glance

Typical dose5–10 mg subQ
Frequency2–3× per week
Cycle length4–8 weeks on, 4 weeks off
FDA statusNot FDA-approved. Research-only. No human trial dosing label.
Source qualityPreclinical animal models + small human pilot data; protocols are practitioner-derived.

MOTS-c Reconstitution Chart

How vial size, bacteriostatic water volume, and insulin-syringe units convert for MOTS-c. Use this to translate a prescribed mcg or mg dose into a syringe measurement.

Vial sizeBac waterConcentrationDose → insulin-syringe units (U-100)
10 mg2 mL5 mg/mL (500 mcg per 0.1 mL)
  • 5 mg100 units (1 mL)
  • 10 mg200 units (2 mL — full vial)

MOTS-c Dosing by Use Case

Commonly cited protocols vary by what MOTS-c is being used for. The table below summarizes typical ranges reported in clinical practice and published literature.

Use caseTypical doseFrequencyCycle lengthNotes
Metabolic / insulin sensitivity5–10 mg2–3× per week4–8 weeksPractitioner-driven; not validated by human trials.
Use with caution

MOTS-c has limited human safety data — frame use as experimental and time-limited.

  • Reported acute side effects in practice: minimal; injection-site reactions are the most common complaint.
  • Long-term safety in humans is essentially unstudied at consumer doses.
  • Theoretical: mitochondrial signaling effects are systemic — caution in patients with mitochondrial disease, autoimmune disease, or metabolic dysregulation.
  • Not FDA-approved.
Do not use if
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Active mitochondrial disease (consult specialist)

MOTS-c Dosing FAQ

Animal data support roles in insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis. Human evidence at consumer doses is preliminary — mostly small pilot studies and observational reports. We don't recommend treating MOTS-c as a validated metabolic therapy at this time.

There's no published safety or efficacy data on combining the two. Practitioner reports of co-administration exist; they are anecdotal.

Sources

Related Dosage Charts

Want the full MOTS-c guide?

Mechanism, clinical evidence, side effects, costs, and provider listings for MOTS-c therapy.

See MOTS-c guide

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any peptide therapy treatment.