Fatty15: The Fat You Should Be Obsessed With

WE age, because our cells do, and as they do so, they become more and more fragile.  Therefore it stands to reason that if we can slow down the aging process of our cells, with the right diet, enough exercise, and limited toxic exposure, then our organs, systems, and body will live longer, without illness or disease.  Pretty simple right?  But what if there was something more we could do to slow down our cell’s aging process?

IN recent years, the search for nutritional compounds that promote healthy aging has led scientists to rediscover a rare dietary fat—C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid). Previously overlooked, this odd-chain saturated fatty acid is now gaining recognition for its wide-ranging benefits, culminating in the development of the supplement fatty15, a pure, vegan-friendly form of C15:0.

C15:0 was historically found in trace amounts in full-fat dairy and certain fish. However, it was long dismissed due to its classification among saturated fats and the popularization of low fat dairy products. That view began to shift with a landmark study published in Nature Scientific Reports by Mihalcea et al. (2021), which identified C15:0 as a potential essential fatty acid—comparable in importance to omega-3s [1].

UNLIKE many long-chain saturated fats, C15:0 has been associated with positive metabolic effects and increased longevity. This was further supported by longitudinal population studies, including the Framingham Offspring Study, which found higher circulating levels of C15:0 to be inversely associated with risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and all-cause mortality [2].

C15:0 is now recognized as a cell-stabilizing and anti-inflammatory molecule. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that C15:0:

• Inhibits mTOR by activating AMPK, an energy-sensing enzyme linked to metabolic health and lifespan extension [3].

• Reduces oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, key drivers of aging and disease progression [4].

• Improves mitochondrial function and cell membrane integrity in over 80% of human cell systems tested [1].

THESE effects have prompted comparisons between C15:0 and omega-3 fatty acids, though C15:0 appears to offer broader cellular support with greater chemical stability.

DESPITE its benefits, the majority of the global population is likely deficient in C15:0. As public health campaigns reduced intake of full-fat dairy over the past few decades, levels of odd-chain saturated fatty acids—including C15:0—have significantly declined. A 2022 analysis published in Lipids in Health and Disease estimated that up to 90% of U.S. adults do not reach optimal circulating levels of C15:0 [5]. This drop may correlate with the rise in chronic inflammatory conditions, suggesting that modern diets may lack this key nutrient for healthy aging.

GIVEN its emerging status as an essential nutrient, interest in testing for C15:0 levels has grown. Fatty15 now offers at-home testing kits that assess blood concentrations of C15:0 using dried blood spot technology, helping individuals understand their status and track improvements through supplementation. Clinical trials involving fatty15 supplementation have shown a significant rise in serum C15:0 levels, along with improved lipid profiles and markers of inflammation [6].

THE discovery of C15:0 as a beneficial, potentially essential fatty acid marks a turning point in nutritional science. With its ability to support cellular function, reduce inflammation, and promote metabolic health, fatty15 offers a novel approach to age-related wellness.

AS more research emerges, C15:0 may soon become a standard component in preventive health strategies—bringing fats back into focus, but this time, the right kind of fat.

YOU can receive 15% off fatty15 by visiting our website.  If you are interested in learning how to test your C15:0 levels, schedule a FREE discovery call to learn more.

References

1. Mihalcea, R., et al. (2021). Pentadecanoic acid: An essential fatty acid for metabolic and cellular health? Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91467-1

2. Khaw, K. T., et al. (2012). Plasma phospholipid fatty acid concentrations and total and cause-specific mortality in the EPIC-Norfolk prospective study. Am J Clin Nutr.

3. Saxton, R. A., Sabatini, D. M. (2017). mTOR signaling in growth, metabolism, and disease. Cell.

4. Johnson, C. A., et al. (2021). C15:0 reduces inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis in vitro across multiple cell types. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids.

5. Lipids Health Dis. (2022). Declining odd-chain saturated fatty acids in Western diets: Implications for metabolic disease.

6. Fatty15 Clinical Trial Data, Seraphina Therapeutics, Inc. (2022). Data on file.