Is this supplement legitimate? Science of Fatty15 and C15:0 | Bill Harris, PhD

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Mar 3, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Bill Harris, a leading expert in fatty acid research, dives deep into the controversial supplement C:15. He evaluates claims of it being the first essential fat in 90 years and its purported health benefits, including comparisons to omega-3s. Dr. Harris challenges the marketing hype, scrutinizing the evidence from population studies and clinical trials on cholesterol and inflammation. He also explores the implications of patenting natural compounds, urging a more critical approach to supplement claims.

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INSIGHT

C15: Essential Fat?

Fatty15 markets C15 as an essential fat like omega-3s, claiming it's crucial for health and longevity.
Dr. Harris expresses skepticism, emphasizing the need for data to support such claims.

INSIGHT

Dairy Fats and Diabetes

Odd-chain saturated fats like C15 and C17 have been linked to some positive health outcomes, especially regarding type 2 diabetes.
These findings don't mean C15 is essential, but they do correlate with dairy intake and reduced diabetes risk.

INSIGHT

Isolated C15 vs. Whole Dairy

Fatty15 argues for isolated C15 supplementation, claiming it provides the benefits of dairy without the risks of even-chain saturated fats.
Dr. Harris acknowledges the logic but highlights the importance of considering the net effect of whole dairy consumption on health.

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You may have heard claims that C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid) is the first essential fat discovered in 90 years, a powerful longevity booster, and a game-changer for metabolic health. But how much of this is backed by solid science?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bill Harris, a leading expert in fatty acid research, to critically evaluate the evidence behind C15:0. We break down the population studies linking it to health benefits, the key clinical trials testing its effects, and whether the marketing around Fatty15 is ahead of the actual data.

In this episode, we cover:

What exactly is C15:0, and how does it compare to other fats?
The claim that C15:0 is an essential nutrient—does it meet the criteria?
The current evidence on C15:0 and its impact on cholesterol, glucose, and inflammation
Does C15:0 supplementation mimic omega-3s, metformin, or rapamycin?
The broader issue of patenting a naturally occurring compound

For more details and supporting studies, visit the full show notes.

Introduction to Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0) (00:00)
Evaluating the Claims of C15:0 (02:05
Comparing C15:0 with Other Fatty Acids (03:12)
Health Implications of Dairy Fats and the Essentiality of C15:0 (05:02)
Scientific Evidence and Studies on C15:0 (13:12)
Interpreting Clinical Trial Results, Cholesterol, and the Tango Trial (27:59)
Cholesterol and the Tango Trial (28:28)
Comparing C15:0 to Omega 3s (32:02)
Future Research Directions for C15:0 (37:46)
Longevity Claims and Patents (42:30)
Final Thoughts and Conclusion (49:44)

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