When people first hear about mitochondrial peptides like SS31, MOTS-c, and Humanin, they often want to know which one is “best.” The truth is that each works on different levers inside the cell, and the right choice depends on what system is most stressed. Instead of guessing, we can use both objective markers and subjective markers to guide decisions. The key is to think of mitochondria as adaptable power plants. Each peptide teaches the plant a different skill SS31 strengthens the wiring, MOTS-c teaches it to use different fuels, and Humanin helps it resist damage signals. By paying attention to how our bodies respond, we can run small experiments and see what creates real improvements. The first place to start is redox stress. This is the balance between energy production and the “sparks” of free radicals that leak out. When sparks overwhelm the clean-up systems, we get fatigue, brain fog, and recovery issues. Labs like glutathione ratios or 8-OHdG give objective clues, but we can also use simple subjective markers. If someone feels like their workouts leave them drained for days, if their energy crashes mid-afternoon, or if their mood dips after training, redox stress may be the limiting factor. In that case, SS31 is often the best starting tool. SS31 binds to cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane, stabilizes the electron transport chain, and reduces the leakage of reactive oxygen species. In plain terms, it stops the wires from sparking and helps energy flow smoothly. Subjectively, people notice less soreness, steadier energy, and a calmer nervous system. HRV often improves, and the same training feels easier. If those markers shift in the right direction, SS31 is likely doing its job. The second area to evaluate is metabolic flexibility, which is the ability to switch between carbs and fats as needed. Poor flexibility shows up as high fasting insulin, high triglycerides, or simply the feeling that you “hit the wall” quickly without carbs. On a bike or during zone two cardio, if your heart rate climbs quickly and you feel like you cannot settle into a pace, that points to a problem in fuel choice. MOTS-c is the peptide that best addresses this. It activates AMPK, which signals the cell to clean up inefficient processes and shift toward fat oxidation. In practice, this means glucose uptake improves, fatty acid breakdown becomes more efficient, and new mitochondria are built. Subjective markers here include easier endurance work, steadier blood sugar, less hunger between meals, and a more even mood. On the performance side, lactate production during submaximal efforts goes down and zone two feels more sustainable. When those changes show up, MOTS-c is proving useful.

At AlchemIQ Labs, we don’t just follow the science we help write it. While others speculate, we lead with rigorous research, innovative formulations, and uncompromising integrity. Our mission is simple but bold: to redefine what’s possible in cellular medicine and performance by delivering compounds that actually work, not just buzzwords. Every formula we create is grounded in peer-reviewed science. Biogoutide is a first-in-class oral therapy designed to go beyond standard GLP-1 drugs. Where current treatments often sacrifice muscle or cause harsh GI side effects, Bioglutide leverages a quadruple receptor agonist strategy, activating IGF-1, GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. This synergy creates a powerful metabolic reset: GLP-1 + GIP → enhance insulin secretion, improve glucose control, and suppress appetite at the brain level. Glucagon receptor → boosts fat oxidation and raises energy expenditure. IGF-1 receptor → protects and preserves lean muscle mass while fat is being mobilized. Unlike injectables, Bioglutide is orally bioavailable, and is being researched as a once-daily, and able to cross the blood–brain barrier for central appetite modulation. Clinical Proof In Phase 2 clinical trials (13 weeks, 125 participants): Up to 13.8% body weight reduction at the top dose (150 mg/day).No muscle loss observed a key differentiator from GLP-1 monotherapies. Mild side effects only (nausea, diarrhea in <8%), with no severe adverse events. These results position Bioglutide as a superior alternative to single-pathway GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide, especially for those prioritizing fat loss without compromising muscle integrity. Why It Matters Current GLP-1 agonists are effective but blunt tools—they drive appetite suppression and weight loss but often at the expense of lean tissue and overall metabolic resilience. Bioglutide changes the game by: Targeting multiple pathways at once for balanced, durable results. Preserving muscle through IGF-1 activation while accelerating fat oxidation.

My fiancé has been dealing with some peculiar issues that I’m trying to connect the dots on and would love input. She had lower leg swelling in the past that eventually resolved, and a remote history of Morton’s neuroma that hasn’t been symptomatic for years. Right now her main struggles are poor sleep, consistently low energy, chronic back tightness, and most notably significant thumb pain with joint locking. She describes it as if the thumb “needs to be pulled out.” Both sides were affected at first, but interestingly the untreated side resolved spontaneously while the PRP-treated side continues to be painful and lock regularly. Her job as a personal trainer and working retail means a lot of daily standing, hand and wrist loading, and repetitive strain. Emotionally, she’s carried stress since her father passed away three years ago she handled it well but still has difficult days. Nutritionally, she was vegetarian for about 40 years before introducing chicken 5–6 years ago, but otherwise eats minimal animal protein. My working thought is that this may not just be an isolated tendon or joint problem but a systemic terrain issue possibly a fibrosis-prone environment that explained the paradoxical PRP result, along with lymphatic or vascular fragility from standing all day, circadian and mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to poor energy and recovery, long-term nutrient debt from decades of vegetarianism (creatine, carnitine, B12, zinc, glycine, proline, lysine), and stress physiology from her HPA axis that stiffens fascia and keeps her in sympathetic tone. I’ve sketched out a phased protocol: first reset terrain with circadian support (melatonin or Epitalon), mitochondrial stack (SS-31, Kenetik Pro, plasmalogens), lymphatic strategies (compression, walking, electrolytes), and add Amlexanox as a fibrosis/inflammation reset. Then in phase 2, move to matrix remodeling with BPC-157, TB4, Pentosan Polysulfate, phosphatidylcholine, local tendon glides, red light, topical magnesium, and NeuFit or PEMF for fascia and back tightness, alongside nutrient repletion with collagen peptides, vitamin C, glycine/proline, zinc, copper, and manganese. Finally in phase 3, focus on integration and resilience with Epitalon cycles, MOTS-c, sauna and cold contrast, tendon-friendly strength training, strict sleep hygiene, and nutrient support like creatine, carnitine, and DHA/EPA. I’d re-evaluate with imaging if the thumb pain and locking persist or run labs if swelling recurs. My questions are: does Amlexanox make sense as a first step to rebalance the inflammatory/fibrotic terrain before PPS or repeat PRP? Is the PRP paradox more likely a redox/cellular terrain issue or immune imbalance? And am I over-attributing her back tightness and energy issues to systemic inflammation/lymphatics, or does that reasoning fit? Would love to hear how you all would think through this. @Elizabeth Yurth @Cynthia Keller @Carl Paige @Eric Fete @Eric Serrano anyone else! I’m here to learn and I want to be able to help her.

Question for those of you who buy peptides in bulk. How do you store your lyophilized (not reconstituted) peptides for the long-term? Thanks in advance!

Hey guys, per @Anthony Castore kindly inviting me to Post this here, thank you @Anthony Castore Dr William Seeds and I, among many other practitioners will be speaking at the Healthspan Summit in Los Angeles this October, if you want to join , DM me and I can send you a link with my discount code. Also, Elias Arjan, (founder of Healthspan Events and PRUVN) and I will be doing an IG live this Tuesday 9/23/25 at 9am PST. I would love it if you could join us! Here is my IG @leallovio I greatly appreciate this community and your support.