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The Proof with Simon Hill

Is this supplement legitimate? Science of Fatty15 and C:15 | Bill Harris, PhD

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.
56:11

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Pentadecanoic acid, or C:15, lacks sufficient evidence to support its claims as an essential nutrient despite marketing assertions by Fatty15.
  • The podcast emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific validation of health claims surrounding C:15 to prevent misleading consumers about its benefits.

Deep dives

Pentadecanoic Acid and Emerging Health Claims

Pentadecanoic acid, also known as C15, has gained attention for its potential health benefits, particularly regarding liver function, metabolism, and longevity. This saturated fatty acid, researched by Dr. Stephanie van Watson and her team, is marketed by the company Fatty15 with bold claims of being the next essential fat akin to omega-3 fatty acids. However, such claims necessitate rigorous scientific validation, as the current body of research lacks comprehensive studies connecting C15 to definitive health improvements. While preliminary research suggests some associations with metabolic health outcomes, the absence of conclusive evidence raises concerns about the validity of these marketing assertions.

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