MOTS-c (CB-4211): Exercise in a Vial? Full Deep Dive (Benefits, Risks & Dosing)

MOTS-c is one of the most intriguing mitochondrial-derived peptides ever discovered—an exercise- and fasting-mimicking molecule produced inside your mitochondria during stress. Early research shows it may improve metabolic health, reduce obesity in animals, enhance endurance, protect against age-related decline, and even influence muscle maintenance, bone health, and cognitive function. But what’s real? What’s hype? And how might CB-4211—the pharmaceutical MOTS-c analogue—fit into the future of longevity medicine?

In this video, Dr. Quinn Stillson (MD + strength coach) breaks down the full science behind MOTS-c and CB-4211: how they activate AMPK, modulate the folate/purine cycles, boost metabolic flexibility, improve mitochondrial function, and trigger mitohormesis—the “come back stronger” effect. We cover the human data on CB-4211, the robust animal research on MOTS-c, the anti-aging implications, the metabolic effects, potential risks (including homocysteine elevation), and what hypothetical dosing could look like if these peptides were ever FDA-approved.

💥 Whether you're exploring mitochondrial health, metabolic optimization, exercise adaptation, or building a serious longevity stack—this is the deep dive you need on MOTS-c and CB-4211.

🔬 In this video, you’ll learn:
✅ What MOTS-c actually is—and why your mitochondria produce it under stress
✅ How MOTS-c activates AMPK → SIRT1 → PGC-1α for mitochondrial biogenesis
✅ Why MOTS-c is often called “exercise in a vial”
✅ How it impacts metabolic flexibility, insulin sensitivity, and fat oxidation
✅ Evidence for reducing insulin resistance & obesity in animal models
✅ Human clinical data from the CB-4211 Phase 1 NAFLD trial
✅ Why MOTS-c levels decline with age—and why that matters for longevity
✅ The peptide’s effects on endurance, muscle maintenance, bone health, and neuroprotection
✅ Mechanistic risks: homocysteine elevation, folate depletion, and overstressing mitochondria
✅ Hypothetical forms, dosing, timing, and cycling strategies (if FDA-approved)
✅ Who might benefit most—from metabolic syndrome to endurance athletes to longevity-focused individuals

🎯 Best for:
– Anyone building a longevity or mitochondrial-support protocol
– Individuals with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or fatty liver
– People wanting to improve endurance, fatigue resistance, or aerobic fitness
– Those focused on healthy aging, mitochondrial decline, or exercise adaptation
– Clinicians exploring mitochondrial-derived peptides
– Biohackers wanting a clear, evidence-based breakdown of MOTS-c

📍 Timestamps
00:00 MOTS-c - Exercise in a Vial?
00:47 Overview of MOTS-c Mechanism
01:47 How MOTS-c Works - AMPK, SIRT1, PGC-1α & Metabolic Flexibility
03:45 Mitohormesis- How MOTS-c Enhances Stress Resilience
05:24 CB-4211 - The MOTS-c Analogue - Structure & Differences
07:04 MOTS-c for Weight Loss & Metabolic Syndrome
08:37 Anti-Aging, Longevity & Healthspan Effects
11:15 Exercise Performance, Muscle Health & Endurance
14:44 Bone Health and Neuroprotection (Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s)
15:55 Heart Health & Other Experimental Use Cases
17:21 Safety Concerns: Homocysteine & Folate
19:52 Overstressing the Mitochondria & Supplements to Avoid This
23:00 Who Might Benefit from MOTS-c? (If FDA Approved)
26:04 MOTS-c vs CB-4211
26:45 Oral vs Injectable (Subq) MOTS-c
27:51 Optimal Dose and Frequency of MOTS-c
31:30 Timing of MOTS-c Injections - Pre-Exercise? Time of Day?
32:18 Cycles for MOTS-c and Sourcing

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⚠️ Medical Disclaimer
This video is for educational purposes only. MOTS-c and CB-4211 are not FDA-approved for human use, and their safety has not been established. All non-CB-4211 uses are theoretical and based on preclinical data. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide or medication.

#MOTSc #CB4211 #MitochondrialPeptides #LongevityPeptides #AntiAging #AMPK #Mitochondria #FunctionalMedicine #MetabolicHealth #ExerciseScience #HealthyAging