We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze the performance of our website. By clicking Continue, you agree to the use of cookies. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy or update your Cookie Preferences.
In an unexpected discovery, veterinary epidemiologist Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson revealed the powerful anti-aging properties of pentadecanoic acid, also known as C15:0. This essential fatty acid, discovered while studying how to improve the health of older dolphins, has shown significant potential in reversing cellular damage and combating age-related diseases in humans. Now available as a dietary supplement called fatty15 through Dr. Venn-Watson's company Seraphina Therapeutics, C15:0 is being hailed as a crucial nutrient for human health.
In 2001, Dr. Venn-Watson began her groundbreaking work with the US Navy's marine mammal program, where she discovered that dolphins under their care lived significantly longer than their wild counterparts. Through her studies, she identified that some older dolphins developed age-related diseases similar to humans, such as high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Importantly, some older dolphins did not develop these aging-associated conditions.
Her extensive research led to the discovery of about 100 molecules linked to aging, with pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) emerging as the most significant. Dr. Venn-Watson's studies showed that a modified fish diet higher in C15:0 improved the dolphins' health by reducing cholesterol, glucose, and inflammation levels.1
It turns out, this same effect is observed in humans. Dr. Venn-Watson's team found that C15:0 is possibly the first essential fatty acid to be identified in over 90 years, since omega-3 fats. In collaboration with the US Navy, they developed a purified source of C15:0, branded as fatty15, aimed at improving cellular health and combating age-related diseases.
Dr. Venn-Watson's pioneering work has not only advanced our understanding of marine mammal health but has also opened new avenues for enhancing human health and longevity.7
C15:0 is a saturated fat, which may surprise those who have been told all saturated fats are harmful. There are two categories of saturated fats: even-chain and odd-chain. Even-chain fatty acids are pro-inflammatory, whereas odd-chain fats (like C15:0) are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and linked to a lower risk of diseases.12
"Health starts at the cellular level," emphasizes Dr. Venn-Watson. "By strengthening cell membranes and mitigating lipid peroxidation, C15:0 supports mitochondrial function, regulates metabolic pathways, and enhances overall healthspan. Our goal is to redefine longevity standards akin to those observed in the Blue Zones, where C15:0-rich diets have fostered exceptional health outcomes"
Numerous studies support C15:0's benefit for humans. Now recognized as an essential fat, C15:0 may protect against conditions such as:12
Dr. Venn-Watson found that C15:0 levels decline with age, but individuals in high longevity zones worldwide have higher levels of C15:0.
An essential fatty acid is a nutrient vital for the body that cannot be produced in sufficient amounts, so it must be obtained through dietary intake. C15:0 meets these criteria:1
C15:0 is found in dairy fat, certain fish, and some plants. Gut bacteria can also produce some C15:0 from fiber, emphasizing the importance of a fiber-rich diet and a healthy gut microbiome.34 However, dietary sources alone may not provide sufficient C15:0, making supplementation a viable option for many.
"For over 50 years, dietary recommendations have shifted away from whole fat dairy-our key source of C15:0," explains Dr. Venn-Watson. "These changes have contributed to a decline in natural C15:0 consumption, leaving many individuals vulnerable to Cellular Fragility Syndrome."
Our bodies are made of trillions of cells that face daily stress and damage. Fatty acids are one of the most important factors influencing cellular health, with lipids (fatty molecules) making up about half of most cell membranes. The lipid bilayer of cell membranes acts as a protective gatekeeper, and C15:0 is vital for maintaining membrane stability and resilience.5
Without adequate C15:0, cell membranes become fragile, making them susceptible to oxidative stress, accelerating aging, and contributing to disease onset. Lipid peroxides, a marker of oxidative damage to cell membranes, increase when C15:0 levels are insufficient.6
Genova Connect's at-home Fatty15 Test evaluates C15:0 levels in red blood cell membranes, providing crucial insights into cellular health and resilience.
The Fatty15 Test focuses specifically on measuring your C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid) levels, through a fingerstick blood sample. Low levels of C15:0 may predispose you to various health conditions, making supplementation beneficial. Improving your levels can help protect your cells from aging-related damage.
For a broader analysis, our full fatty acids assessment evaluates a wide range of essential and metabolic fatty acid markers, including C15:0, to give a detailed picture of your overall fatty acid profile. This broad assessment is also included in our comprehensive nutritional test (Metabolomix+) which offers extensive insight into your overall nutritional health.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the dolphins and the team of doctors who uncovered the vital role of C15:0. This discovery challenges long-held beliefs about saturated fats and offers new hope for reversing cellular damage and aging.
Whether you're looking to understand your C15:0 levels with the Fatty15 Test or gather additional health information through our comprehensive panels, Genova Connect provides the tools you need to make informed decisions about your wellness journey.
Tune into the Lab Report Podcast for our conversation with Dr. Venn-Watson: Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson: Cellular Health with fatty15.
Learn more about Seraphina Therapeutics and fatty15 at fatty15.com. Nerd out on the science behind fatty15 at DiscoverC15.com
This article is meant for educational purposes only and is not meant to be misconstrued as medical diagnosis or treatment advice.
