Cellular & Longevity
MOTS-C
Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-C
Mitochondria, energy, and insulin sensitivity
Quick answer
A 10 mg vial with 2 mL of water makes 5 mg/mL. A 5 mg dose is 100 units, a full syringe. Two or three times a week for 4 to 8 weeks.
- Mix it
- 10 mg vial + 2 mL water
- Draw
- About 100 units on a U-100 syringe
- How often
- 2 to 3 times a week
- How it is given
- Under the skin.
- How long it lasts
- Short. It is cleared within hours.
- Store it
- Refrigerate after mixing. Use within about 4 weeks.
What it is
Full name: Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA Type-C. Most people write it as MOTS-C.
MOTS-C comes from mitochondrial DNA. Research looks at how cells use energy, how muscle responds to exercise, and how the body handles blood sugar.
What it is studied for
- Exercise capacity
- Insulin sensitivity
- Metabolic health markers
- Age-related energy decline
These are things researchers study. They are not promised results.
Dosing at a glance
These are the amounts used most often in research. Always start at the low end.
- Vial size
- 10 mg
- Dose range
- 5 mg to 10 mg per dose
- How often
- 2 to 3 times a week
- Cycle length
- 4 to 8 weeks
- Mix with
- Bacteriostatic water (also called BAC water or reconstitution solution).
- Storage
- Refrigerate after mixing. Use within about 4 weeks.
Week by week
A common way researchers step the dose up. Stay at each step until it feels easy.
| When | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | 5 mg, 2 times a week | Watch for warmth or fatigue. |
| Weeks 3-6 | 5-10 mg, 2-3 times a week | Main phase. |
| Weeks 7-8 | Taper off | Then rest 4 weeks. |
This is a reference schedule, not a prescription. Start at the lowest step.
Mixing it
A common setup for MOTS-C is a 10 mg vial with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.
That makes 5 mg per mL. A 5 mg dose is about 100 units on a standard insulin syringe.
Bacteriostatic water is all you need here. Acetic acid is only for powders that will not dissolve. See the mixing guide.
Open this in the calculatorWhat to watch for
- Warm flushed feeling after a dose
- Mild fatigue at first
Stop and speak to a clinician if anything feels wrong. See the safety page.
Common questions
A full syringe seems like a lot.
It is normal for MOTS-C. Use 3 mL of water if you want a smaller draw.
Morning or night?
Morning. Some people find it stimulating.
Do I need to train for it to matter?
Research pairs it with exercise. Movement is part of the protocol.