C15:0 Fatty Acid — The New Essential Fatty Acid for Healthy Aging

Dolphin longevity research helped spotlight C15:0’s potential role in mammalian health.

For years, we simplified fats into “good” vs. “bad.” But emerging research shows not all saturated fats are equal. C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid), an odd-chain saturated fatty acid, has been associated with healthier aging, stronger cell membranes, and reduced inflammation. It may even deserve classification as the first new essential fatty acid discovered in decades.

Why C15:0 Matters

Unlike common even-chain saturated fats (which often track with adverse metabolic outcomes), odd-chain fats like C15:0 consistently show the opposite. Higher circulating levels of C15:0 are linked with lower risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and liver disease. That nuance makes C15:0 worth paying attention to as part of a modern, longevity-focused nutrition plan.

What the Science Says

C15:0 is found in trace amounts in dairy fat and some fish. Evidence suggests it may act as an essential fatty acid in humans by supporting:

• AMPK activation: Promotes energy efficiency and resilience.
• mTOR inhibition: Supports cellular repair and longevity pathways.
• Membrane stability: Strengthens cell walls against oxidative stress.
• Inflammation balance: Reduces chronic inflammatory signals in models.

Key references include:

• Venn-Watson et al., 2023: Proposal that C15:0 functions as an essential fatty acid with AMPK and mTOR effects.
• Jenkins et al., 2015: Review of odd-chain fatty acids and health.
• Venn-Watson et al., 2020: In vivo models showing OCFA reduce inflammation, dyslipidemia, and fibrosis.
• Li et al., 2022: Meta-analysis showing higher odd-chain SFAs link to lower cardiometabolic risk.
• Yu et al., 2018: Dairy OCFAs inversely associated with metabolic disease risk.

Where to Find C15:0

C15:0 occurs naturally in:

• Dairy fat: Butterfat, whole milk, and certain cheeses (levels vary by farming practices).
• Fish: Some species contain modest amounts of C15:0.

Observational studies use blood biomarkers (15:0, 17:0) as proxies for intake, consistently linking higher levels with better metabolic health.

Safe Applications

Here’s how to think about C15:0 practically:

• Base first: Prioritize whole foods, fiber, omega-3 balance, and glucose control.
• If you tolerate dairy: Choose small amounts of high-quality butterfat or cheeses, and monitor health markers.
• If you avoid dairy: Discuss supplementation with a clinician. Early human data shows supplementation raises circulating C15:0 safely (Robinson et al., 2024), but long-term outcomes are still being studied.

Important: Odd-chain benefits do not mean eating more total saturated fat. C15:0 is a refinement, not a free pass.

How This Fits Our Philosophy

At PureClean Performance, we see C15:0 as part of a larger terrain approach: balancing protein quality, micronutrients, glucose stability, and mitochondrial support. If you’re optimizing for healthy aging, fatty acid balance belongs in the conversation — but always in context with fundamentals.

Key Takeaway

C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid) may represent a new essential fatty acid for humans, supporting metabolic resilience and healthy aging. But the best approach is layered: master your nutrition basics, then refine with targeted nutrients like C15:0 where appropriate.

Explore more research: Ask Dr. Cohen Blog Series

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