MOTS-c peptide dosage

MOTS-c peptide dosage protocols are derived from animal research data and community experience rather than human clinical trials — no completed randomized controlled trial has established a formally recommended human dose. The dosing information below represents the current consensus from published research (animal-to-human dose extrapolation) and the biohacking community's accumulated experience with the compound.

MOTS-c peptide dosage: research-based protocol

In the Lee et al. 2015 study, mice received MOTS-c at 5 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Using the standard FDA interspecies dose conversion formula (mouse dose × 0.081 = human equivalent dose), the human equivalent dose is approximately 0.4 mg/kg. For a 75 kg (165 lb) adult, this translates to approximately 30 mg — however, this is a rough conversion that does not account for differences in bioavailability between intraperitoneal (mouse) and subcutaneous (human) administration routes.

The biohacking community has settled on a significantly lower dosing range based on practical experience and cost considerations. The most commonly used MOTS-c peptide dosage protocols are a standard protocol of 10 mg subcutaneous injection, 3–5 times per week, a conservative protocol of 5 mg subcutaneous injection, daily or every other day, and a loading protocol of 10 mg daily for 2 weeks, then 10 mg 3× per week for maintenance. Most users report meaningful metabolic effects at 5–10 mg doses, suggesting that the full animal-equivalent dose (30 mg) is likely unnecessary for clinical benefit — a common finding with peptides where receptor sensitivity in humans differs from rodent models.

MOTS-c peptide dosage: reconstitution

MOTS-c is supplied as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, typically in 5 mg or 10 mg vials. Reconstitution with bacteriostatic water is required before injection. For a 10 mg vial reconstituted with 1 mL (100 units) of bacteriostatic water, the concentration is 100 mcg per unit. A 5 mg dose equals 50 units (0.5 mL). A 10 mg dose equals 100 units (1.0 mL — the entire syringe). For a 5 mg vial reconstituted with 0.5 mL of bacteriostatic water, the same concentration is achieved (100 mcg per unit), with a 5 mg dose equaling 50 units. Inject bacteriostatic water slowly down the inside wall of the vial. Swirl gently until dissolved. Do not shake. Refrigerate after reconstitution and use within 30 days.

MOTS-c peptide dosage: timing

MOTS-c peptide dosage timing is typically recommended in the morning — before breakfast and before exercise if training that day. The rationale is that AMPK activation in the morning aligns with the body's natural circadian metabolic rhythm (when cortisol is highest and the body is primed for energy mobilization), maximizes fat oxidation during the subsequent fasted or fed period, and allows the exercise-mimetic effects to complement actual exercise when training later in the day. Some users prefer pre-workout administration (30–60 minutes before training) to enhance AMPK-mediated exercise adaptations. There is no clinical data comparing morning vs evening dosing in humans — the timing recommendations are based on AMPK biology and circadian metabolism research.

MOTS-c peptide dosage: cycle length

MOTS-c does not suppress endogenous hormone production and does not require post-cycle therapy (PCT). However, the community consensus is to cycle MOTS-c rather than use it continuously, with a typical protocol of 8–12 weeks on followed by 4 weeks off. The rationale for cycling is not receptor desensitization (which has not been demonstrated for MOTS-c) but rather to assess the body's response during the off period — if metabolic improvements persist during the break, the MOTS-c has successfully shifted the body's metabolic setpoint and continued use may not be necessary. If benefits fade during the off period, another cycle is warranted.

MOTS-c peptide dosage: subcutaneous injection protocol

MOTS-c is administered as a subcutaneous injection using an insulin syringe (29–31 gauge, ½-inch needle). The injection site is typically the lower abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel), though the thigh and upper arm are also used. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy. Inject at a 45-degree angle into a pinched fold of skin, push the plunger slowly, hold for 5 seconds, then withdraw. MOTS-c has not been studied via oral, sublingual, or nasal routes — the peptide would likely be degraded by digestive enzymes if taken orally, and nasal bioavailability has not been characterized.