C15 deficiency significantly contributes to insulin resistance and chronic diseases, emphasizing its essential role in metabolic health.
Dietary sources of C15, such as grass-fed dairy and fatty fish, are crucial for maintaining optimal levels and preventing deficiencies.
Understanding and monitoring C15 levels through fatty acid panels can guide dietary adjustments and support overall longevity and health.
Deep dives
The Health Benefits of C15
Higher levels of C15, a saturated fatty acid, are associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. Multiple studies, including meta-analyses, have found that C15 provides stronger evidence as a longevity-enhancing molecule compared to even well-known compounds like rapamycin. Dr. Stephanie Van Watson, an expert in C15, highlights the significant health implications of C15 deficiency, linking it to insulin resistance and accelerated aging. Symptoms of C15 deficiency can manifest as fatigue, joint pain, and poor sleep, indicating the critical role this molecule plays in overall health.
Dietary Sources of C15
Diet is a primary source of C15, with the most reliable sources being whole dairy fats, particularly from grass-fed cows. For example, cows that graze on grass produce milk and butter rich in C15 compared to those fed grain. Just one to two tablespoons of grass-fed butter can provide the necessary amount of C15, approximately 100 to 200 milligrams per day. Additionally, various cheeses, especially those made from milk of grass-fed animals, also offer significant C15 content, highlighting the importance of dietary choices in maintaining adequate levels.
C15 and Cellular Health
C15 plays a crucial role in the stability of cell membranes, preventing cellular fragility linked to a new form of cell death known as feroptosis. This instability can lead to increased iron levels in the liver, causing conditions like fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. A deficiency in C15 compromises cellular integrity, increasing the risk of reactive oxygen species that can damage cells and accelerate aging. Maintaining optimal levels of C15 is essential for cellular health and may help mitigate the risks of various chronic diseases.
C15’s Unique Mechanism
C15 has been recognized as a recently discovered essential fatty acid, with studies demonstrating its ability to help regulate longevity pathways within the body. It activates critical cellular mechanisms that can lower inflammation and promote healthy glucose metabolism, which are vital for preventing chronic conditions. Researchers found that C15 triggers the production of pentadecanoil carnitine (PDC), a compound that interacts with the body's cannabinoid receptors, potentially improving inflammation and mood. As a naturally occurring molecule, C15 shares mechanisms with established longevity-enhancing drugs, providing a pathway to health without the need for synthetic interventions.
Importance of Proper Testing for C15 Levels
Understanding one's C15 levels is essential, as the average measured levels in humans are often below the healthy threshold of 0.2%, indicating a deficiency. A fatty acid panel can be requested from healthcare providers to assess C15, although many may lack awareness of this specific measurement. Personalized dietary adjustments can rectify deficiencies, and in cases where dietary sources fall short, supplementation with products like Fatty 15 can be beneficial. Emphasizing the need to check C15 levels highlights the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies to promote better health outcomes.
My guest today is Dr Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist, entrepreneur, and a leading expert in C15. Dr Venn Watson has conducted over 60 peer-reviewed papers and has made the link between C15 deficiency, insulin resistance, and chronic disease.
C15 is a saturated fatty acid in whole-fat foods, including whole-fat dairy, fatty fish, and red meat. Dr Venn Watson will discuss how the changes in our modern diet and the changes in dietary guidelines towards low-fat and high-carb diets have contributed to Cellular Fragility Syndrome, which leads to C15 deficiency.
Dr Venn Watson will discuss the process of Ferroptosis, which causes an iron overload in the liver, leading to chronic disease and insulin resistance. She will also discuss the amount of C15 you need, how to avoid deficiency, and the best dietary sources of C15 (hint: it includes butter).
This episode is important to understand that insulin resistance does not just come from sugar and carbohydrates, but also from C15 deficiency. You will learn the science behind C15 deficiency, how to fix it, and Fatty15 - a revolutionary new supplement to fix C15 deficiency.
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