MOTS-c vs AICAR
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- MOTS-c is a mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the mitochondrial genome. It acts as a metabolic regulator, improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing exercise capacity, and counteracting age-related metabolic decline. It is often called a 'mitochondrial hormone.'
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Half-Life
- Estimated 1–2 hours
- ~2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5–15 mg
- 25–50 mg
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Enhances exercise capacity and endurance
- Reduces age-related metabolic decline
- Activates AMPK — the master metabolic regulator
- Promotes fat oxidation
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- May extend healthspan via mitochondrial optimization
- Increases energy and reduces fatigue
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Fatigue during initial adaptation
- Unknown long-term profile (limited human data)
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Stacks With
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