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MOTS-C

What Is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c (mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c) is a short peptide (16 amino acids) that your mitochondria naturally produce. It’s encoded in the mitochondrial DNA and acts as a signaling molecule between the mitochondria and the nucleus (a process called retrograde signaling).

In wellness and functional medicine, synthetic MOTS-c is used because levels decline with age and metabolic stress. It’s typically administered via subcutaneous injection.

How Does MOTS-c Work?

MOTS-c is unique because it directly influences energy metabolism at the cellular level. Its main mechanisms include:

  • Activates AMPK (the “metabolic master switch”) When energy is low (or after exercise), AMPK turns on to restore balance. MOTS-c strongly activates AMPK → increases glucose uptake, fat oxidation, and mitochondrial biogenesis (making more and better mitochondria).

  • Improves Insulin Sensitivity & Glucose Handling Enhances GLUT4 translocation to the cell surface → better glucose uptake in muscle cells without needing insulin spikes. This mimics what happens during exercise.

  • Boosts Fat Burning & Mitochondrial Function Increases fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial efficiency → cells burn fat for fuel more effectively, especially visceral (deep belly) fat.

  • Reduces Inflammation & Oxidative Stress Lowers pro-inflammatory cytokines and protects mitochondria from damage → supports overall metabolic health and resilience.

  • Exercise-Mimetic Effects Many of the metabolic benefits of endurance exercise (improved insulin sensitivity, fat loss, mitochondrial health) can be partially reproduced by MOTS-c — which is why it’s exciting for people who can’t exercise intensely or are recovering from overtraining.

Potential Benefits

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  • Improved Metabolic Health & Insulin Sensitivity

    • Better blood sugar control and insulin response

    • Support for insulin resistance, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome patterns

  • Targeted Fat Loss (Especially Visceral Fat)

    • Reduction in abdominal and organ-surrounding fat

    • Improved body composition when combined with diet and movement

  • Increased Energy & Exercise Performance

    • More consistent daily energy (less “crash” feeling)

    • Better mitochondrial function → improved endurance and recovery

    • Helpful for people with mitochondrial fatigue or age-related energy decline

  • Anti-Aging & Longevity Support

    • Enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and quality

    • Reduced oxidative stress and inflammation

    • Potential support for metabolic flexibility (ability to switch between carbs and fats for fuel)

  • Recovery from Overtraining or Stress

    • Helps reset metabolism after periods of high stress, over-exercise, or burnout

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All peptides are compounded formulations and not FDA-approved. Consult your healthcare provider before use.

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