MOTS-C dosage chart
5 mg Vial
MOTS-c is dosed at 500 mcg–2 mg administered daily via subcutaneous injection in educational protocols. A 5 mg vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water yields about 1.67 mg/mL. Most protocols titrate gradually over roughly 10 weeks. This information is for research and educational use only.
- Reconstitute
- Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~1.67 mg/mL concentration.
- Typical daily range
- 500–1500 mcg once daily (gradual titration from 500 mcg).
- Easy measuring
- At 1.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 16.7 mcg on a U‑100 insulin syringe.
- Storage
- Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within 2–4 weeks.
Dosing schedule
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 500 mcg (0.5 mg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 60 units (0.60 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 1500 mcg (1.5 mg) | 90 units (0.90 mL) |
| Weeks 7–8 | 2000 mcg (2.0 mg) | 120 units (two 60‑unit injections)* |
Reconstitution steps
- 1Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- 2Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- 3Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
- 4Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light; use within 2–4 weeks.
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation and lipohypertrophy risk.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle to ensure complete delivery.
- Document daily dose, time, and site rotation to maintain consistency and monitor response.
- If doses fall below 30 units (0.30 mL), consider using 50‑unit or 30‑unit insulin syringes for improved readability.
- For 2.0 mg doses exceeding single‑syringe capacity (>100 units), split into two separate injections or use 2.0 mL reconstitution.
How This Works
MOTS-C is a mitochondrial‑derived peptide that activates AMPK‑driven metabolic pathways to enhance glucose uptake, increase fat oxidation, and reduce lipid accumulation in muscle and adipose tissue. Preclinical studies demonstrate that daily MOTS-C administration (5 mg/kg i.p. in mice) prevents diet‑induced obesity and insulin resistance, while short 7‑day courses restore insulin sensitivity in aged mice to youthful levels. Unlike metformin (which acts primarily in the liver), MOTS-C directly targets skeletal muscle and fat tissues. The peptide also translocates to the nucleus under metabolic stress to regulate nuclear gene expression. Endogenous MOTS-C levels rise sharply with exercise (~12‑fold increase in muscle) and decline with age, suggesting therapeutic potential for age‑related metabolic decline. No formal human clinical trials have been completed to date; current human use is investigational and based on preclinical findings.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Observations from preclinical and emerging investigational use.
- Enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in muscle and fat tissue
- Increased fat oxidation and reduced diet‑induced obesity in animal models
- Improved exercise capacity and muscle homeostasis during aging
- Modest lifespan extension in rodents with intermittent dosing (15 mg/kg 3×/week)
- No stimulation of IGF‑1 or adverse effects on glucose tolerance (contrast with growth hormone)
- Well‑tolerated in animal studies with no severe adverse effects at typical doses
- Mild injection‑site reactions (temporary redness, inflammation, or bruising) reported anecdotally
- No severe adverse effects or organ toxicity observed in preclinical studies at standard doses
- Long‑term human safety data not yet available; chronic continuous use beyond 8 weeks remains uncharacterized
- Theoretical risk of downregulation with prolonged daily use; cycling approach (4–8 weeks on, equal time off) recommended
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary strategies for optimal metabolic outcomes.
- Pair with a balanced, protein‑forward diet tailored to energy needs; MOTS-C enhances nutrient partitioning and fat utilization.
- Combine resistance training and aerobic activity to reinforce AMPK activation and metabolic adaptations.
- Prioritize 7–9 hours of quality sleep; MOTS-C may support mitochondrial function, but recovery remains essential.
- Manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation practices; chronic stress can impair metabolic benefits.
- Maintain hydration and consider timing injections around fasted periods (e.g., morning before breakfast) to mimic exercise‑induced patterns.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best‑practice resources.
- Clean the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swab; allow to air‑dry.
- Pinch a skinfold (1–2 inches) at the chosen site; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily over 2–5 seconds.
- Withdraw needle at same angle; apply gentle pressure with clean cotton ball or alcohol pad (do not rub).
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen at least 2 inches from navel, outer thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy or scar tissue.
- Allow refrigerated solution to reach room temperature for 5–10 minutes before injection to reduce sting.
- Dispose of used syringe immediately into puncture‑proof sharps container; do not recap needle.
important-note
This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. MOTS-C is an experimental research peptide that is not approved by the FDA or other regulatory agencies for human use. It is supplied strictly for laboratory research purposes and is not for human or veterinary consumption. Any discussion of human dosing is hypothetical and for informational purposes only. Individuals should not self‑administer MOTS-C outside of properly supervised clinical research. If considering off‑label use, consult a licensed healthcare professional and comply with all applicable regulations. Neither the authors nor the supplier assume liability for off‑label use or mishandling of MOTS-C.
MOTS-C dosage FAQs
How much bacteriostatic water do you use to reconstitute MOTS-C?
Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~1.67 mg/mL concentration. for a 5 mg Vial vial. Add the water slowly against the inside wall of the vial and swirl — never shake — until the powder fully dissolves.
What does the MOTS-C dosing schedule look like?
Weeks 1–2 — 500 mcg (0.5 mg) — 30 units (0.30 mL); Weeks 3–4 — 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) — 60 units (0.60 mL); Weeks 5–6 — 1500 mcg (1.5 mg) — 90 units (0.90 mL); Weeks 7–8 — 2000 mcg (2.0 mg) — 120 units (two 60‑unit injections)*. The full table above lists every step with matching syringe units.
What are the mixing steps for MOTS-C?
Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe. Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming. Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake vigorously).
How should reconstituted MOTS-C be stored?
Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within 2–4 weeks..
How many insulin syringe units equal a MOTS-C dose?
Units depend on the water volume you used. Divide your target dose by the vial concentration to get millilitres, then multiply by 100 — 1 unit on a U-100 insulin syringe is 0.01 mL. The Spartan Peptides reconstitution calculator does this conversion for you.
Is MOTS-C approved for human use?
No. MOTS-C is sold and referenced strictly as a research chemical. Nothing on this page is medical advice and the material is not for human consumption.
Educational and research information only. Not medical advice, not for human consumption. Values are reference figures — always verify your own math with the reconstitution calculator.
On any insulin syringe, 1 unit = 0.01 mL, so unit counts above hold across brands.

