Discovery of Fatty Acid C15:0 in Navy Dolphin Research Associated with Increased Lifespan
Research indicates that an odd-chain saturated fatty acid, notably absent from our diets for years, offers numerous health benefits.
The U.S. Navy enlisted Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist and public health scientist, to enhance the well-being of their aging dolphins.
During her research, she found that dolphins age similarly to humans and are prone to similar age-related conditions such as high cholesterol, chronic inflammation, and arthritis. However, not all Navy dolphins experienced these conditions, prompting Venn-Watson and a group of scientists to investigate further.
By utilizing metabolomics to study metabolites, they identified a specific nutrient, pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), shared by humans and dolphins, that emerged as a significant predictor of healthy aging in dolphins.
This odd-chain saturated fatty acid was found to enhance the dolphins’ health and lifespan. Intrigued by this discovery, Venn-Watson became a trailblazer in C15:0 research.
What Is Pentadecanoic Acid?
Pentadecanoic acid is a 15-carbon odd-chain saturated fatty acid primarily found in whole-fat dairy, certain fish, grass-fed meat, and plants. It is present in the milk received by all baby mammals, including humans.
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“In 2020, we published evidence supporting that C15:0 is not only a beneficial saturated fat but meets the criteria of being an essential fatty acid,” Venn-Watson shared with The Epoch Times.
Venn-Watson emphasizes that not all saturated fats are alike.
“These odd-chain saturated fats, particularly C15:0, are emerging as beneficial for us,” she noted.
Despite recent research demonstrating the advantages of C15:0, the longstanding belief that saturated fats are detrimental persists. This belief is evident in the United States Department of Agriculture guidelines dating back to the 1970s, which consistently label saturated fats as unhealthy.
Due to the belief over the past few decades that saturated fats increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, people have reduced their consumption of whole-fat dairy, resulting in decreased C15:0 levels in our diets.
Heart Health
Recent studies have highlighted the promising effects of C15:0 on cardiovascular health, indicating that this saturated fatty acid may play a crucial role in long-term heart health.
One study found significant benefits of C15:0 compared to other fatty acids like Omega-3.
The researchers discovered that C15:0 was non-toxic at all tested concentrations (1.9 to 50 micrometers (µM)) and displayed a range of anti-inflammatory effects.
C15:0 exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects on 36 biomarkers across ten different human cell systems, suggesting diverse health benefits, particularly in reducing inflammation.
Longevity
A 2023 paper co-authored by Ven-Watson and Nicholas J. Schork, the scientific director for the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Aging-sponsored Longevity Consortium, illustrated that C15:0 may offer effects comparable to well-known longevity drugs like rapamycin and metformin.
The study, utilizing human cell-based assays, found that C15:0 activated AMPK and inhibited mTOR, key regulators of the human longevity pathway.
C15:0 showcased 36 clinically relevant, dose-dependent activities across ten of the 12 cell systems tested, including anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anticancer effects. At its optimal dose (17 µM), C15:0 shared 24 biological activities with rapamycin (9 µM) across ten cell systems, indicating a similar effect.
The activities of C15:0 were particularly potent in reducing inflammation markers like MCP-1, TNFα, and IL-10, supporting its role in managing chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
“Via C15:0, dolphins have unveiled the secret to longevity for us. We now understand that optimizing C15:0 can potentially extend our health span and maybe even our lifespan,” Venn-Watson stated.
Increasing Pentadecanoic Acid Intake
With support from the Navy, Venn-Watson and her team developed a pure C15:0 ingredient named Fatty15 based on their dolphin research. They have utilized this form in some studies and now offer it as a dietary supplement for humans.
Optimal C15:0 levels in the blood are between 0.4 percent and 0.6 percent, with C15:0 measured as a fatty acid.
Venn-Watson recommends individuals start with a daily dose of 100 milligrams of C15:0 and track their progress to adjust accordingly based on their C15:0 levels.
Prioritizing Food
Douglas Kalman, a clinical associate professor at Nova Southeastern University specializing in exercise and nutritional biochemistry, suggests obtaining pentadecanoic acid from dietary sources, emphasizing the importance of incorporating full-fat dairy and certain meats into one’s diet.
“It is advisable to adopt a food-first approach while ensuring a diverse intake of healthy fats in the diet,” Kalman recommended.
Considerations
Venn-Watson notes that C15:0 is generally safe, with their supplement receiving “generally recognized as safe” status. However, she urges individuals to consult with a physician before starting any supplement regimen.
“To date, no side effects or contraindications have been observed with C15:0. It is a very safe molecule,” she reassured.
Navigating C15:0
While enthusiastic about the potential of pentadecanoic acid, Kalman underscores that research is in its early stages and more human studies are necessary. He also clarifies that C15:0 is a scientific term utilized in academia and is not typically found under that name in retail settings.
Despite the nascent state of pentadecanoic acid research, the story behind C15:0’s discovery shows that groundbreaking discoveries can arise from unexpected places.
“The desire to help older dolphins lead long, healthy lives underpinned everything, demonstrating how compassion and innovation can benefit not only other species but also humankind.”
