Claimed effect · MOTS-c

Does MOTS-c help with exercise capacity?

D
Grade D — no human evidence0 controlled · effect size: not measurable
Short answerNo human evidence. As of 2 September 2026, no controlled human trial has tested MOTS-c for exercise capacity. Rodent exercise models; human correlation studies only.

What the studies show

Rodent exercise models; human correlation studies only.

Animal studies, cell studies, or anecdotes only. This is where almost every viral peptide sits. Promising and proven are different words for a reason.

In context

MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA rather than the nucleus, discovered in 2015. In mice it improves insulin sensitivity and protects against diet-induced obesity, and human blood levels fall with age and correlate with fitness. No controlled human trial has tested giving it to anyone. It is not approved anywhere.

MOTS-c is not approved. Legal status differs by country — see the regulation section or the jurisdiction pages.

Questions

Is MOTS-c proven to help with exercise capacity?
No. There is no human evidence for it (0 controlled); the claim rests on animal or cell studies and LYO grades it D.
What studies are behind the grade?
Rodent exercise models; human correlation studies only.
Is MOTS-c approved for this?
No. MOTS-c is not approved; it is not an approved medicine for any indication in the jurisdictions LYO covers.

Other outcomes for MOTS-c

Reviewed 2 September 2026. Grades count human evidence only; see how LYO grades. Not medical advice. Correct this page →