Follistatin vs MOTS-c
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Follistatin
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that inhibits myostatin, the protein responsible for limiting muscle growth. By blocking myostatin, follistatin can theoretically allow for increased muscle development beyond natural limits.
Full details →MOTS-c
MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the Twelve S rRNA type-c) is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that plays a key role in metabolic regulation and has emerged as a significant longevity research target.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Follistatin | MOTS-c |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Binds to and neutralizes myostatin and activin, both of which are negative regulators of muscle mass. This removes the natural brake on muscle growth, allowing for enhanced hypertrophy. | Activates AMPK pathway, enhances glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, improves insulin sensitivity, and regulates mitochondrial function. Acts as a metabolic hormone affecting whole-body energy homeostasis. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols typically use 100-300mcg daily, though optimal dosing is not well established. Gene therapy approaches have also been studied. | Research protocols typically use 5-10mg administered subcutaneously several times per week. Optimal dosing not yet established. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection. Different isoforms exist (FS344, FS315) with varying properties. Requires careful sourcing due to complexity. | Subcutaneous injection. Often combined with exercise protocols as it enhances exercise capacity and metabolic adaptation. |
| Side Effects | Limited human data. Theoretical concerns about effects on other organs where activin signaling is important. | Limited human data. Animal studies show good tolerability. May affect energy levels and exercise performance. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Follistatin, MOTS-c are both commonly used for:
Key Differences
Unique to MOTS-c:
Detailed Analysis
Commonalities
Both Follistatin and MOTS-c are commonly used for Muscle Growth.
Which Should You Choose?
Both peptides have similar evidence levels for their shared goals. Your choice may depend on specific use case, availability, or personal response.
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