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.

What is the verdict on Leucovorin? With my Hong Kong/Chinese contacts I can get Pharma Grade. Im wondering if it will help my sons autism?

Hi Anthony. A question following up on your Long Covid postings which were great. Cardiolipin maybe seen as an antigen by the immune system. Is this autoimmunity to mitochondrial elements a big issue? Is there a,way to detect if its happening? How to deal with it if it become an issue?

Mitochondria sit at the heart of long COVID, and their dysfunction explains why symptoms cut across so many systems. These organelles are more than energy factories; they are cellular sentinels that decide whether the body is in growth, defense, or repair mode. During acute infection, mitochondria deliberately shut down high-output energy production and switch into alarm signaling. They fragment, release ROS, and send out distress molecules to coordinate immune activity. In long COVID, that alarm mode never fully resets. Instead of resuming normal energy output, mitochondria remain locked in a fragmented, stressed state that drains vitality. One of the hallmarks is fission dominance. Normally, mitochondria exist in a dynamic balance between fusion and fission. Fusion allows mitochondria to share contents, repair damage, and optimize energy efficiency. Fission is used to isolate damaged segments and remove them through mitophagy. In long haulers, oxidative stress and cardiolipin damage tip the scale toward constant fission. The result is a population of small, inefficient mitochondria that can’t produce steady ATP. It is like breaking a power plant into dozens of tiny generators that each sputter and fail rather than pooling resources into one stable grid. Cardiolipin, the signature phospholipid of the inner mitochondrial membrane, plays a central role here. It stabilizes respiratory chain complexes and maintains cristae structure where ATP synthesis occurs. Viral infections, including COVID, generate excessive ROS that oxidize cardiolipin. Once cardiolipin is oxidized, it loses its ability to anchor electron transport complexes, causing electron leaks and more oxidative stress. This vicious cycle locks mitochondria into dysfunction. Imagine scaffolding inside a factory collapsing machines keep running but with sparks flying and energy leaking at every corner. The downstream effect is impaired electron transport. Complex I and Complex II become bottlenecks, leading to reduced oxidative phosphorylation and increased reliance on glycolysis. This metabolic shift produces excess lactate, explaining the exercise intolerance and post-exertional malaise many long haulers experience. Even mild activity can push lactate high because mitochondria can’t clear the workload efficiently. Patients feel as if their muscles are flooded with acid after the smallest effort, and in truth, their energy systems are behaving like an undertrained athlete running on fumes.

hello does anybody knows something about this petide. it is use for hair growth but I do not find so much information about it.