## Week 9 Decision: Time to Optimize Further I'm wrapping up week 9 of my retatrutide journey this Thursday, and I've made a decision that breaks my original timeline. I'm adding **5-amino-1MQ** to my current stack of 8mg weekly retatrutide and 2mg nightly tesamorelin. **Quick context:** Two weeks ago, [I added tesamorelin to my protocol](https://retatrutidelog.com/posts/evolving-beyond-retatrutide-tesamorelin) right after getting [baseline DEXA scan results](https://retatrutidelog.com/posts/dexa-scan-results-body-composition-6-weeks-retatrutide) that showed 40.1% body fat and significant visceral fat. My plan was to run retatrutide + tesamorelin for 3 months to target visceral fat reduction, then get follow-up scans in November to measure the results. Here's why I'm breaking that plan, what 5-amino-1MQ does, and exactly what I ordered to make my own oral liquid solution for a fraction of commercial prices. ## The Current State: What's Working My protocol is solid. I'm consistently losing around 2 pounds per week with excellent appetite control and zero major side effects. The combination of retatrutide and tesamorelin (added 2 weeks ago after my DEXA baseline) is delivering steady progress toward my November rescan. But here's the thing - **I have 10 more weeks until that DEXA scan**. That's a long time to potentially leave optimization on the table. ## What Is 5-Amino-1MQ? 5-amino-1-methylquinolinium (5-amino-1MQ) is a small molecule that inhibits the enzyme **NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase)**. ### How It Works **Why this matters for fat loss:** - NNMT activity is elevated in obesity and metabolic dysfunction - Blocking NNMT can improve cellular energy metabolism - Enhanced NAD+ utilization and mitochondrial function - Potential synergy with GLP-1 receptor agonists like retatrutide The research is promising: in obese mice, NNMT inhibition reduced fat mass and improved insulin sensitivity even without reducing food intake (Kannt et al., 2018). The mechanism suggests it could complement my current stack targeting fat loss. **Why I'm Making Liquid Instead of Capsules or Injections** I was originally looking for premade capsules but found this 5g bulk powder for way less money. I considered filling my own capsules, but that seemed like a lot more work than just making an oral liquid solution. Since it's sold commercially as capsules, it should work fine as an oral liquid. Plus I can use my scale to verify I actually got 5g of product and adjust the solution concentration if needed. Much simpler for personal use. ## The Synergy Potential This isn't about fixing a problem - my current protocol works great. It's about **optimization**. 5-amino-1MQ works through a completely different mechanism than retatrutide or tesamorelin: - **Retatrutide:** GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor agonist (appetite, insulin sensitivity) - **Tesamorelin:** Growth hormone releasing hormone analog (body composition) - **5-amino-1MQ:** NNMT inhibitor (cellular metabolism, fat oxidation) Three different pathways, potentially synergistic effects. ## Why Not Wait Until November? **Simple math:** 10 weeks feels like a long time. If 5-amino-1MQ can enhance my current results even by a small percentage, that's progress I'd be leaving on the table. Yes, waiting would give me cleaner DEXA data. But this isn't a clinical trial - it's my body. The research suggests this addition makes sense now. ## The Cost Reality: DIY vs Prefilled Capsules ### Prefilled Capsules vs. DIY Solution Here's where it gets interesting. Let me break down the real numbers: **Prefilled Capsules:** - **Amazon capsules:** 50mg × 60 caps = $100-$170 - **Per 100mg dose:** $3.30-$5.70 - **Monthly cost:** $100-$170 (at 100mg daily) **My DIY Approach:** - **First batch:** $117 total (including all equipment) - **Per dose:** $2.34 (50 doses) - **Future batches:** Only $65 for powder = **$1.30 per dose** - **Monthly cost:** $39 (after initial setup) **Bottom line:** 60-75% cheaper than capsules, with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and precise dosing control. ## My Complete Amazon Shopping List Everything I ordered arrives tomorrow and Thursday. Here's the breakdown: ### **One-Time Equipment ($52 total):** **Amber Glass Dropper Bottles (4-pack)** - $8.99 [Get them here →](https://amzn.to/3HXkQPF) *30ml bottles with graduated droppers. Perfect for precise dosing and UV protection.* **Graduated Pipettes (8-pack)** - $15.88 [Get them here →](https://amzn.to/47q7juq) *Essential for accurate liquid measurement. Multiple sizes for flexibility.* **Digital Scale (0.01g accuracy)** - $26.99 [Get them here →](https://amzn.to/3UTXugP) *Precise enough for supplement dosing, compact design.* ### **Consumables ($69 total):** **5-Amino-1MQ Bulk Powder (5g)** - $65.00 [Get it here →](https://amzn.to/42dcASn) *99%+ purity, includes 100mg scoop. This is the main investment.* **Propylene Glycol USP (250ml)** - $11.99 [Get it here →](https://amzn.to/3HHw36W) *Pharmaceutical grade solvent. Safe for oral use, improves absorption.* **LorAnn Peppermint "Super Strength" Flavor** - $3.99 [Get it here →](https://amzn.to/4lTuWyQ) *A couple drops per vial to mask any bitterness. Makes sublingual dosing much more pleasant.* ![Gz3jYZ9WYAAuKJP.png](https://retatrutidelog.com/uploads/7827f4d4-e26f-4156-974e-bd1fa1832624.png) ## The Plan: 6-Week Cycles I'm not planning continuous dosing. The research suggests cycling for optimal effects and avoiding potential tolerance: - **Weeks 10-15:** First 6-week cycle at 100mg daily - **Weeks 16-17:** 2-week break (gives the body a reset) - **Weeks 18-23:** Second 6-week cycle This takes me right through my November DEXA scan during the second cycle, which should show maximum effects. ## Administration Protocol Based on the research, I'm going sublingual for better bioavailability (though human studies on sublingual absorption aren't published yet - this is theoretical but logical). In general, sublingual delivery is more efficient than swallowing a capsule because it bypasses much of first-pass liver metabolism. - **100mg daily in the morning** - **Hold under tongue for 60-120 seconds** before swallowing - Adding peppermint flavoring to mask any bitterness **Solution Stability:** - **Opened vial (refrigerated):** 6-8 weeks stable - **Unopened vial (sealed, amber glass, refrigerated):** 2-3 months stable - Propylene glycol provides antimicrobial protection - Amber glass prevents light degradation - Cool temperature slows oxidation and breakdown ## What I'll Be Tracking Starting Week 10, I'll add 5-amino-1MQ effects to my regular Friday updates: - Energy levels and mental clarity - Any changes in appetite or food preferences - Sleep quality and recovery - Body composition changes - Integration with current retatrutide/tesamorelin effects ## The Bottom Line This isn't about chasing the next shiny supplement. It's about **strategic optimization** of an already working protocol. The research supports potential synergy, the cost savings are massive with DIY preparation, and 10 weeks is too long to wait when there's a reasonable chance for enhanced results. Next week I'll document the complete preparation process - from powder to finished liquid solution. Then we'll see what happens when you add NNMT inhibition to an established GLP-1/growth hormone protocol. **Subscribe to follow my 6-week cycle results and see the full DIY prep process with photos next week.** **Question for you:** Would you add a third compound to an already working stack, or stick with the "don't fix what isn't broken" approach? Let me know in the comments. ::subscribe[{"variant":"default"}] --- **Disclaimer:** The information provided on this site is for **educational and informational purposes only** and reflects my **personal experiences and opinions**. It is **not** intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Retatrutide is an **investigational drug** that is **not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)** for any use outside of clinical trials. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medications, supplements, or medical treatments. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this site may be affiliate links.