MOTS-c is a small peptide made from genetic information in mitochondrial DNA. It has attracted research interest because it appears to influence cellular metabolism, glucose handling, insulin sensitivity, and responses to metabolic stress/exercise.
Most of the striking findings—such as improved metabolic function, exercise capacity, or effects related to aging—come from cell and animal studies. Human research is much more limited. MOTS-c is not an established, approved treatment for weight loss, diabetes, muscle gain, or anti-aging, and the long-term safety of externally administered MOTS-c hasn’t been established.
