MOTS-c (mitochondrial peptide)

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Anti-aging · Metabolic · Exercise mimetic

A mitochondrial-derived peptide that acts as an exercise mimetic by activating AMPK and improving insulin sensitivity in preclinical models. Discovered in 2015 at USC. Animal studies show it reverses age-related insulin resistance and improves physical capacity. As of 2025, human clinical-trial evidence remains very limited — most data are observational cohort studies linking natural MOTS-c levels to metabolic health, plus preclinical animal work. Self-injection protocols circulating online carry real contamination and dosing risks.

Dose: No established oral dose; research protocols use 5–10 mg subcutaneous injection 3x/week; NOT approved for supplement use