Adverse effect · MOTS-c

How common is safety in humans with MOTS-c?

D
Grade D — no human evidenceNone · effect size: not measurable · adverse
Short answerNo human evidence. As of 2 September 2026, only none exist for MOTS-c for safety in humans. No human dosing study of any kind.

What the studies show

No human dosing study of any kind.

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 cause safety in humans?
No. There is no human evidence for it (None); the claim rests on animal or cell studies and LYO grades it D.
What studies are behind the grade?
No human dosing study of any kind.
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 →