You sleep, you eat, and you are still running on empty. Persistent low energy is one of the most common complaints there is, and it has become a serious area of metabolic research. Here is what the science covers.

Where fatigue really starts: the mitochondria

Energy is produced in the mitochondria, and a key molecule in that process is NAD+, which declines with age and metabolic stress. Research links falling NAD+ levels to reduced cellular energy output, which is why NAD+ metabolism has become a major focus in the study of fatigue and ageing (Verdin, Science 2015).

Peptides studied in energy metabolism

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide first described by Lee and colleagues (Cell Metabolism, 2015) that acts on metabolic pathways and has been studied in models of metabolic regulation and exercise capacity. 5-Amino-1MQ has been investigated for inhibiting NNMT, an enzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism and NAD+ salvage (Neelakantan et al., 2018). Both remain research compounds studied primarily in cellular and animal models.

What the evidence does and does not show

This research is promising at the mechanistic level, but human clinical data is still early. The strongest everyday levers for energy remain sleep, nutrition and training, which is why these peptides are studied as adjuncts within controlled protocols, not replacements.

The takeaway

Fatigue often traces back to cellular energy production, and the research reflects that. Explore related overviews on sleep and recovery peptides and body-recomposition research.

Research disclaimer▾

Alle informatie op deze pagina is bedoeld voor laboratoriumonderzoek en in-vitro studies. Geen humane consumptie. Geen medische claims. Producten zijn niet goedgekeurd door EMA of FDA voor therapeutisch gebruik.