MOTS-c Dosage Guide: Protocol, Cycling and Reconstitution

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide studied in research settings, usually handled as a lyophilized powder that must be reconstituted before measuring any dose. Because it is dosed in larger amounts than most peptides, with weekly totals often cited in the 5mg to 10mg range, the math around vial size, water volume, and syringe units is where most mistakes happen.

This guide covers the protocol structure researchers reference, the common 4-injection weekly cycle, the reconstitution math worked end to end, and the short shelf life of the mixed vial. It is reference information only, not medical advice. MOTS-c is a research compound not approved for human consumption.

Typical MOTS-c dosage in research protocols

Most literature and supplier reference sheets describe MOTS-c in a weekly total rather than a single daily number. The two figures cited most often are:

• 5mg per week as a lower reference total, often split across the week.
• 10mg per week as a higher reference total, again split into smaller injections.

That weekly total is then divided into individual administrations. A 10mg week split into four equal parts is 2.5mg per injection. A 5mg week split the same way is 1.25mg per injection. Always confirm any protocol against the exact vial size you have, since 5mg and 10mg vials are both common and changing the vial changes every number downstream.

The 4-injection weekly cycle

A frequently referenced structure is four injections per week, spaced to spread the weekly total evenly. A common pattern is every-other-day style timing, for example Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Worked against the two reference totals:

• 10mg weekly, 4 injections: 2.5mg each.
• 5mg weekly, 4 injections: 1.25mg each.
• 8mg weekly, 4 injections: 2mg each.

Some references use 2 or 3 injections per week instead, which raises the amount per injection for the same weekly total. The peptide dosage calculator lets you enter the weekly total and injection count and returns the per-dose figure and the syringe units in one step, which removes the manual division. For background on splitting and frequency logic, see peptide dosage explained.

Reconstitution math, worked example

Reconstitution means adding bacteriostatic water to the dry powder so you can measure a precise volume. The core relationship is simple: concentration equals total mg in the vial divided by mL of water added.

Worked example with a 10mg vial and 2mL of bacteriostatic water:

• Concentration: 10mg / 2mL = 5mg/mL.
• Per injection target: 2.5mg.
• Volume to draw: 2.5mg / 5mg/mL = 0.5mL.
• On a U-100 insulin syringe, 0.5mL = 50 units.

Change the water and the units change. The same 10mg vial reconstituted with 1mL gives 10mg/mL, so 2.5mg becomes 0.25mL, or 25 units. Use the reconstitution calculator to test water volumes before you mix, and how much bacteriostatic water to add for choosing a volume that lands on clean unit marks. If your protocol is written in mcg, mcg to mg conversion keeps the decimals straight.

Reading the units on your syringe

After the math gives you an mL volume, you draw it on an insulin syringe measured in units. On a U-100 syringe, 100 units equals 1mL, so every 0.01mL is 1 unit. The 0.5mL example above sits at the 50-unit mark, which is easy to read. Aim for a water volume that puts your dose on a round number. For a full walkthrough, see how to read an insulin syringe for peptides and mg to units.

Cycling and short reconstituted shelf life

Reference protocols often describe MOTS-c in cycles rather than continuous use, commonly a block of several weeks followed by an off period. The on-off length varies by source, so treat any specific number as a reference point and defer scheduling decisions to a qualified professional. For general cycle structure, see how long to cycle peptides.

Storage matters because reconstituted peptide does not last long. General reference handling:

• Lyophilized (dry) powder: stable longest, kept frozen or refrigerated per supplier guidance.
• Reconstituted vial: refrigerated, commonly referenced as usable for roughly a few weeks, often cited around 2 to 4 weeks.
• Keep it cold, away from light, and never freeze a vial after it has been mixed.

This is one reason a smaller water volume or a smaller vial can make sense: you finish the mixed vial before the window closes. See how long do reconstituted peptides last and how to store peptides for the full storage reference, and the disclaimer for scope.

Quick reference

1. Pick your weekly total (5mg or 10mg are common references) and confirm your vial size.
2. Divide by injections per week. Four injections is the common cycle.
3. Reconstitute and calculate concentration: mg in vial divided by mL of water.
4. Convert your per-injection mg to mL, then to syringe units.
5. Refrigerate the mixed vial and finish it within its short shelf window.