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The Dr. Hyman Show

The Unexpected Dolphin Discovery That May Hold the Key to Longevity | Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson

Mar 26, 2025
Join veterinary epidemiologist Stephanie Venn-Watson as she reveals fascinating discoveries from her studies on Navy dolphins. She unveils the essential fatty acid C15:0, found to promote cellular health and potentially slow aging. The conversation dives into how a deficiency in this nutrient could accelerate chronic diseases. With insights illustrated through dolphin health, this discussion connects diet to longevity, suggesting that what we learn from these marine mammals might reshape our understanding of nutrition and human aging.
01:12:55

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson's research uncovered C15:0, an essential fatty acid that may significantly influence longevity and cellular health.
  • Deficiencies in C15:0 have been linked to increased risks of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Deep dives

The Benefits of C15 in Longevity

Research indicates that higher levels of pentadecanoic acid, or C15, are associated with a reduced risk of various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and specific cancers like colorectal cancer. Dr. Nick Shork, an expert in longevity studies, expresses his belief that C15 is the most well-supported longevity-enhancing molecule identified to date. This essential fatty acid appears to play a critical role in promoting long-term health, especially as it correlates with healthier aging in dolphins. Notably, dolphins in captivity exhibit significantly longer lifespans compared to those in the wild, hinting at the importance of diet and environment in longevity.

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