MOTS-C: The Folate Problem Nobody Warns You About (And How to Fix It)
Derek Note: I feel like we've covered a lot of the well-known peptides and I want to do at least 1 post a day, going deeper in some side effects that pop up and how to mitigate them. I am a peptide nerd at heart and want to provide real value daily in the space. You guys support peptideprice.store I provide as much free info as possible. Drop a 🔥 if you're excited for this series.
Let's Jump Into The Folate Problem (I have seen 0 creators talk about this except Dr. Dean St. Mart s/o https://www.youtube.com/@Deanstm)
Quick Recap: How MOTS-C Actually Works
MOTS-C is a peptide encoded by your mitochondrial DNA that triggers your body to build MORE mitochondria (cellular power plants). But here's the key: it doesn't just "turn on" mitochondrial growth - it forces it through metabolic stress.
The mechanism: MOTS-C blocks folate metabolism pathways, similar to how methotrexate works. When your cells detect this folate "stress," they activate survival pathways (like AMPK) that trigger mitochondrial biogenesis. Your body essentially thinks: "We're under metabolic stress, we need MORE power plants to survive."
This is the entire mechanism - not a side effect. The folate blocking IS what creates the adaptation. You can't have the mitochondrial benefits without the folate depletion.
It's like training: You stress the muscle → Body adapts by building more muscle.
MOTS-C: You block folate → Body adapts by building more mitochondria.
The problem: While your body is busy building new mitochondria, your actual folate levels are tanking. And those new mitochondria can't function without folate. Neither can your brain.
The One Thing You Must Understand
MOTS-C blocks folate to trigger mitochondrial growth - this is HOW it works.
But blocked folate = depleted folate = brain fog, mood crashes, and fatigue.
Most people feel amazing for 2 weeks, then wonder why they suddenly feel like shit. This is why.
What Folate Does (Why This Matters)
Folate controls:
  • Brain function - makes serotonin, dopamine, and focus chemicals
  • Methylation - DNA repair, detox, basically everything
  • Energy production - red blood cells, recovery, protein metabolism
Without it: Brain fog, depression, fatigue, irritability. The exact opposite of what MOTS-C should give you.
The Fix: Active Folate (Not Folic Acid)
❌ Don't Buy: "Folic Acid"
(Most multivitamins - your body can't convert it fast enough)
✅ Buy: "L-Methylfolate" or "5-MTHF"
(Already active - works immediately)
Cost: ~$20/month
The Protocol
Starting MOTS-C:
  1. 3 days before first researching: Start 1,000 mcg L-methylfolate daily
  2. Add: Methylated B-Complex (one daily)
  3. During 4-week cycle: Take both EVERY day
  4. During 4-week break: KEEP taking both (don't stop!)
Total cost: ~$30-40/month for complete protection
Warning Signs & Fixes
🟡 Mild (Slight fog, less motivated)
  • Bump to 1,200 mcg folate
  • Add B-Complex if not taking
  • Keep using MOTS-C
🟠 Moderate (Real fog, mood crash, irritable)
  • Increase to 1,600 mcg folate (split AM/PM)
  • B-Complex 2x daily
  • Add 1,000 mcg B12 sublingual
  • Pause MOTS-C for 7 days
  • Restart at 1x/week, then 2x/week after 2 weeks
🔴 Severe (Can't think, depressed, weak)
  • STOP MOTS-C
  • 2,000 mcg folate daily
  • B-Complex 2x daily
  • 2,000 mcg B12 daily
  • Wait 4 weeks before restarting
Already Started Without Folate?
Days 1-10, feel fine: Start folate TODAY. You're running on borrowed time.
Already have symptoms: Follow the fixes above based on severity.
Quick FAQ
Q: Can't I just use my multivitamin? No. Wrong type, too low dose.
Q: Do I take folate during the break? YES. Your stores are depleted. Stopping = delayed crash.
Q: How do I know it's working? You feel normal. No fog, stable mood, good energy.
Q: What if I have MTHFR mutations? Start with 1,200-1,600 mcg from day 1.
The Bottom Line
MOTS-C works by blocking folate - that's the mechanism, not a side effect.
Block folate without replacing it = guaranteed crash within 2-4 weeks.
Take the folate. Get the benefits. Skip the suffering.
That's it.
RESEARCH USE ONLY NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
As I said, drop a 🔥 if you're excited for this series.
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Derek Pruski
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MOTS-C: The Folate Problem Nobody Warns You About (And How to Fix It)
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