MOTS-c Mitochondrial Function Protocol

What This Protocol Is For

This protocol is designed to help your body's energy system work better. Think of your cells as tiny engines — over time, especially after age 40 or with certain health conditions, those engines don't run as cleanly as they used to. You feel it as low energy, sluggish workouts, stubborn weight, and a body that doesn't bounce back the way it once did.

MOTS-c is a peptide your body actually makes on its own, but levels tend to drop with age. Giving it back can help your muscles use sugar and fat more efficiently, improve how you respond to exercise, and support steadier energy through the day.

Patients typically come to this protocol for one of three reasons: they want better stamina and recovery from workouts, they're working on insulin resistance or pre-diabetes, or they want to support healthy aging from the inside out.

What You'll Be Taking

• MOTS-c (low-dose phase) — Helps your cells use energy more efficiently and improves how your body handles sugar. Taken 3 times per week during the first 4 weeks.
• MOTS-c (full-dose phase) — Same peptide, higher dose to deepen the benefits once your body has adjusted. Taken 3 times per week starting in week 5.

How to Use It

Reconstitution (mixing): Your peptide comes as a dry powder that you'll mix with bacteriostatic water before the first use. The office will walk you through this in person or by video — please don't guess. Call us if you're unsure.

Injection: This is a subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection. Most people use the belly, about two inches to the side of the belly button. Rotate sides each dose.

Timing: Take it in the morning, ideally on the days you exercise (or before exercise if you work out the same day). MOTS-c works hand-in-hand with movement, so pairing it with activity gives you the best results.

With or without food: Either is fine.

Storage: Keep the mixed vial in the refrigerator. Don't freeze it. Unmixed vials can stay at room temperature until you're ready to use them.

If you miss a dose: Take it the next day and continue your normal schedule. Don't double up.

What to Expect

• Week 1–2: You probably won't feel dramatic changes yet. Some people notice slightly steadier energy or fewer afternoon crashes. This is the "loading in" phase.
• Week 4: Many people notice better workout stamina — you can push a little harder or recover faster between sets. Sleep quality often improves around here too.
• Week 8: This is where the metabolic changes tend to show up. If you're tracking blood sugar or A1C, your doctor may start to see improvements. Body composition can begin to shift, especially if you're exercising consistently.
• Week 12: Give it the full 12 weeks before judging results. By now, you'll likely notice better exercise capacity, more consistent daytime energy, and improved markers on your labs.

A reminder: MOTS-c works best when paired with regular movement — even brisk walking counts. It's not a replacement for activity, it's an amplifier.

Common Side Effects

Most people tolerate MOTS-c well. If you do notice something, it usually settles within the first 1–2 weeks.

• Injection site redness or itching — Rotate sites and let the area air-dry after cleaning. Usually fades quickly.
• Mild flushing or warmth after a dose — Drink some water and rest a few minutes. This is harmless and tends to stop happening after the first few doses.
• Headache or light-headedness — Often related to hydration or blood sugar dropping. Eat a small snack and drink water. Tell us if it keeps happening.
• Temporarily lower blood sugar — If you're diabetic or on blood sugar medication, this matters more. Watch for shakiness, sweating, or sudden hunger, and check your glucose if you have a meter.
• Mild fatigue the first week — Your body is adjusting. Usually resolves on its own.

When to Call the Office

Stop the peptide and reach out if you notice:

• Symptoms of low blood sugar that don't resolve with food
• A rash, hives, or swelling after an injection
• Chest tightness, trouble breathing, or a racing heartbeat
• Persistent headache, dizziness, or nausea beyond the first 2 weeks
• An injection site that becomes warm, swollen, or painful (signs of infection)
• Anything that just feels "off" — we'd rather hear from you

A Note About This Protocol

MOTS-c is considered investigational, meaning it's not FDA-approved for these uses and is provided through Peptide Pure's supervised research network. Your doctor is actively monitoring your progress and labs, but this peptide works alongside good sleep, movement, and nutrition — it's a support tool, not a shortcut.

Questions for Your Next Visit

• Which of my lab markers should we recheck to see if MOTS-c is working for me?
• Should I time my doses around specific workouts, or does the morning schedule work for my routine?
• If I respond well, how long do you typically keep patients on this protocol?
• Are there other lifestyle changes that would amplify what MOTS-c is doing?