C15: The Essential Fatty Acid Transforming Metabolic Health & Aging | Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson | Ep.50

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Sep 24, 2024

Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist and public health scientist, dives into her innovative research about C15:0, a newly identified essential fatty acid found in dolphins. This fatty acid may hold the key to enhancing metabolic health and longevity, showcasing benefits that surpass omega-3s. Discover how C15:0 could tackle inflammation and insulin resistance, along with groundbreaking insights into its implications for human health. Stephanie reveals its potential to reshape our understanding of diet and aging, making it a true game-changer.

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ANECDOTE

Dolphin Folder Sparked A Big Discovery

Stephanie Venn-Watson found a decades-old folder showing dolphins' prolonged hyperglycemia and investigated it with Sam Ridgway.
That observation led to the hypothesis that dolphins evolved insulin resistance after moving to a high-protein aquatic diet, paralleling human evolution during ice ages.

INSIGHT

C15 Emerged As A Key Longevity Marker

Metabolomics in Navy dolphins identified C15 (pentadecanoic acid) as the top predictor of healthy aging, not omega-3s.
Follow-up lab studies confirmed C15 meets criteria of an essential fatty acid with a deficiency syndrome below a threshold.

INSIGHT

Defined Biological Threshold For C15

Optimal cellular function requires C15 at ~0.2% of membrane fatty acids (≈20 µM or 5 µg/mL).
Levels below that produce a 'cellular fragility syndrome' that harms baseline health.

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In our 50th episode of The Metabolic Link podcast, host Dr. Dominic D’Agostino dives deep into the fascinating world of metabolic health through an unexpected lens — bottlenose dolphins.

Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist and public health scientist, joins the show to share her groundbreaking research with the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program, where dolphins helped reveal the essential role of C15:0. C15:0 is an odd-chain saturated fatty acid that has 3-times more cellular benefits than omega-3s. Dr. Venn-Watson surprisingly discovered that C15:0 (also called pentadecanoic acid) is an essential fatty acid - the first to be found in over 90 years. In this episode, we discuss how C15:0 plays an important role in longevity and metabolic health, its potential to reduce inflammation, improve mitochondrial function, and why it’s crucial for both dolphins and humans. Learn how this unique fatty acid is transforming our understanding of insulin resistance and why it could be a game-changer in human health. Plus, Dr. Venn-Watson also shares the exciting future of this essential fatty acid in human health research.

About Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson
Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson is the CEO of Seraphina Therapeutics. A seasoned veterinary epidemiologist and public health scientist, Stephanie previously served at the World Health Organization and U.S. Navy. With a life-long mission of helping people (and our fellow animals) age better, Stephanie’s award-winning approach to improving human and animal health has been featured on NPR, BBC, CBS, and National Geographic. In her time as CEO, Seraphina Therapeutics has been recognized for its extensive research and education on pentadecanoic acid (C15:0). Dr. Venn-Watson is also the co-founder of Fatty15. Fatty15 is a science-backed and award-winning C15:0 supplement to support our long-term health and wellness.

Stephanie received her B.S. in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience from UC San Diego, D.V.M. from Tufts University, M.P.H. from Emory University, and was a National Research Council Associate with the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center. She is an Albert Schweitzer Fellow for Life.

Special thanks to our episode sponsors:
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This episode is not sponsored by Fatty15, but they're a partner of The Metabolic Link. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by clicking here and using code METABOLICLINK

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