A promising longevity nutrient with roots in marine mammal science is making waves in the health world. Known as C15:0 or pentadecanoic acid, this odd-chain saturated fatty acid may hold the key to extending human healthspan — and its discovery started with U.S. Navy dolphins.
From Dolphins to Humans: A Discovery Beneath the Surface
Veterinary epidemiologist Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson spent two decades studying bottlenose dolphins in the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program. She observed that the healthiest dolphins had higher levels of C15:0 in their blood — and when they ate fish rich in this fatty acid, their insulin, glucose, and cholesterol levels improved.
This observation sparked years of research that revealed C15:0’s potential role in preventing and even reversing chronic diseases like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Fatty liver disease
- Cardiovascular disease
Today, scientists and health optimizers are calling C15:0 the “next omega-3” — but perhaps even more powerful.
What Is C15:0 and How Does It Work?
C15:0 is an essential fatty acid, meaning your body cannot produce enough of it on its own. Like omega-3s, it must be obtained through food or supplementation. But unlike omega-3s, early studies suggest C15:0 may provide broader, systemic benefits.
C15:0 has been shown to:
- Activate AMPK, a key enzyme that restores cellular energy and decreases with age
- Inhibit mTOR, a longevity pathway involved in autophagy and senescent (“zombie”) cell clearance
- Support membrane stability and cellular resilience
- Activate PPAR receptors, which regulate sleep, appetite, inflammation, immunity, and metabolism
Venn-Watson outlines these mechanisms in her book The Longevity Nutrient, calling C15:0 a “foundational molecule for optimal aging.”
From Science to Supplement: fatty15
In 2021, Venn-Watson and her husband, Navy physician Dr. Eric Venn-Watson, launched the supplement fatty15 through their company Seraphina Therapeutics. Marketed as the first pure, stable, vegan-friendly version of C15:0, it’s available in capsule form.
Early users have reported:
- Improved sleep quality
- Increased energy
- Stronger nails and hair
- Better mood and metabolic stability
Some customers even noted vivid dreams — possibly a result of the molecule’s influence on the central nervous system.
Where Is C15:0 Found in the Diet?
C15:0 is naturally present in:
- Whole-fat dairy products (butter, milk, sour cream, cheeses)
- Meat, seafood, seeds, and some plant oils
- High-oleic sunflower oil, which contains significant amounts
According to The Longevity Nutrient, a single tablespoon of butter delivers about 75 mg of C15:0. The recommended daily intake is 100–200 mg, which can be reached with targeted diet or supplementation.
The Future of C15:0
C15:0 is still relatively new to the mainstream health world, but researchers believe it may rival — or even exceed — other well-known longevity tools like rapamycin, metformin, or omega-3s.
“We believe C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid discovered in over 90 years,” Venn-Watson wrote. “It could be the missing piece in modern metabolic health.”
With more clinical trials underway and rising consumer interest, C15:0 may soon become a core part of biohacking stacks, precision nutrition, and age-reversal protocols.
Note: Always consult a medical professional before starting new supplements, especially for chronic conditions or medication interactions.