THE 60-SECOND GUIDE
MOTS-c
Human associations · treatment benefit unestablished.
Guide prepared November 13, 2026 · profile review dates retained
What is it?
MOTS-c is a peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA and studied as a metabolic signal. Research connects it with cellular stress responses and insulin sensitivity, but measuring naturally occurring MOTS-c is different from proving that administering it benefits people. [1]
Potential benefits
Participates in experimental metabolic and stress-response biology. Early human research has explored exercise and metabolic questions. [1]
Evidence & its limits
The founding treatment experiments were performed in mice. Human associations between circulating MOTS-c and metabolic traits do not show that injected MOTS-c improves those traits. Efficacy, route-specific safety, and long-term outcomes require direct human treatment evidence. [1]
Risks & unknowns
No approved therapeutic use. Human efficacy, long-term safety, and meaningful clinical outcomes remain uncertain. [1]
Status & scope
No approved therapeutic use. [1]
The question to ask
Does the evidence match the exact product, route, condition and outcome being discussed? Check the full record and its review dates. This summary is selective; the product label and clinical assessment contain additional warnings and contraindications.
CHECK THE RECORD
Sources & review
- Full evidence record, references and review dates
- Original cell and mouse research, 2015
- Observational study of circulating MOTS-c and insulin sensitivity, 2018
- FDA MOTS-c safety information
Guide prepared November 13, 2026 · profile review dates retained. Condensed from the linked site evidence record. This format update is not a new clinical review of every source. Consult the full profile for its evidence-review dates and targeted updates.
Selective educational summary, not treatment or dosing advice. Existing profile review dates retained; no independent clinical review.