The Longevity Nutrient - C15

In this episode of Peak Human Labs, Dr. Sanjeev Goel reconnects with Dr. Steph Venn-Watson, co-founder of Fatty15, to unpack the groundbreaking research behind C15:0—an odd-chain saturated fatty acid once overlooked, now emerging as a powerful longevity nutrient. What began as an accidental discovery while caring for aging Navy dolphins has grown into a movement to reimagine nutritional health and aging. From reversing cellular fragility and metabolic dysfunction to improving cognitive health and potentially slowing the progression of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, this episode dives deep into what makes C15 so essential—and why most of us aren’t getting enough.

Ready to learn how a molecule you’ve never heard of could redefine your health span? Tune in now!

Fatty15 and C15 Supplementation

 

www.fatty15.com/drsanjeevgoel (Use code DRSANJEEVGOEL)

Key Takeaways

• Discovery of C15 (pentadecanoic acid) through dolphin health research
• Role of C15 in reversing cellular fragility and ferroptosis
• Association between low C15 and conditions like anemia, fatty liver, and iron overload
• Differences between even-chain (e.g., C16) and odd-chain saturated fats
• How C15 improves red blood cell health and reduces aging biomarkers like RDW
• Sardinia’s high C15 levels linked to longevity and heart health
• C15’s presence in grass-fed dairy, especially pecorino cheese
• The supplement Fatty15 as a vegan-friendly, concentrated source of C15
• Emerging research into C15’s role in gut health, Alzheimer’s, and cognitive protection
• Future applications in food fortification, pediatric nutrition, and global health policy

 

In This Episode:

• [00:00:00] Why getting C15 into cells takes time
• [00:01:10] Introduction to guest Dr. Steph Venn-Watson and Fatty15
• [00:02:31] Origins of the C15 discovery in Navy dolphin care
• [00:03:50] Metabolic disease and accelerated aging in dolphins
• [00:06:42] C15 identified as top predictor of healthy aging
• [00:09:27] C15’s effectiveness confirmed in feeding studies
• [00:11:31] Corroborating human data on C15 and disease risk
• [00:14:14] Understanding ferroptosis and cellular fragility
• [00:17:35] How C15 lowers ferritin and liver iron overload
• [00:19:14] C15 blood levels and how much you need
• [00:20:49] Sardinia’s lifestyle and natural C15 optimization
• [00:23:36] Supplementation potential vs. lifestyle changes
• [00:25:12] Navy-backed development of pure C15 supplement
• [00:27:09] C15’s impact on aging biomarkers and RDW
• [00:28:45] Dog studies, gut health, and C15 in Alzheimer’s research
• [00:31:52] Is Alzheimer’s a disease of aging or longevity?
• [00:34:15] Why C15 may be the most promising geroprotector
• [00:37:52] Dosage, absorption timeline, and blood level targets
• [00:41:23] Future of C15 in nutrition policy and public health
• [00:43:46] The C15 content in eggs and Australian meats

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