Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0): Emerging Evidence for Health Benefits
Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) shows promising health benefits as an emerging essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and cellular protective properties that may improve morbidity and mortality outcomes. 1
What is Pentadecanoic Acid?
Pentadecanoic acid is an odd-chain saturated fatty acid that:
- Is found primarily in dairy products and ruminant-derived foods 2
- Serves as a biomarker for dairy fat consumption 2
- Has recently gained attention for its potential health benefits beyond being just a biomarker 1
Evidence for Health Benefits
Metabolic Health
- Negatively correlated with metabolic syndrome disorders 1
- Shows insulin-sensitizing effects through activation of the AMPK pathway 1
- Reduces elevated levels of leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and insulin 1
- Associated with a more favorable type 2 diabetes risk factor profile 2
Anti-inflammatory Properties
- Demonstrates broad anti-inflammatory activities across multiple cell systems 3, 4
- Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1α, MCP-1, and IP-10 3
- Shows efficacy in experimental inflammatory bowel disease models, reducing inflammation severity and preserving gut integrity 5
Liver Health
- Reduces severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) 1
- Lowers alanine transaminase levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines 1
Cardiovascular System
- Associated with lower risk for cardiovascular disease development 2
- Shares anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit cardiovascular health 3, 4
Longevity and Cellular Protection
- Activates AMPK and inhibits mTOR, core components of human longevity pathways 6
- Shares 24 clinically relevant activities with rapamycin (a known longevity compound) 6
- Demonstrates antifibrotic and anticancer activities in cell-based studies 6
Neurological Effects
- Functions as a full-acting cannabinoid receptor (CB1 and CB2) agonist 3
- Shows 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor agonist activity 3
- Has histamine H1 and H2 receptor antagonist properties 3
- At certain concentrations, exhibits cell-based properties similar to bupropion, suggesting potential mood-regulating effects 4
Clinical Considerations
Safety Profile
- Demonstrates broader and safer clinically-relevant activities compared to omega-3 fatty acids like EPA 4
- Non-cytotoxic across multiple cell systems at various concentrations 4
Dietary Sources
- Primary sources include dairy products (particularly whole-fat dairy) 2
- Cannot be synthesized endogenously in sufficient quantities 1
- May be considered an essential fatty acid that must be obtained through diet 1
Potential Applications
- Metabolic disorders including diabetes and metabolic syndrome 1, 4
- Inflammatory conditions including inflammatory bowel disease 5
- Cardiovascular risk reduction 2
- Liver health maintenance 1
Limitations and Research Needs
- Most evidence comes from cell-based and animal studies
- Limited human clinical trials specifically examining pentadecanoic acid supplementation
- Optimal dosing for specific health conditions not yet established
- Long-term effects of supplementation require further investigation
Conclusion
The current evidence suggests that pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) has promising health benefits across multiple physiological systems. Its anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and cellular protective properties make it a compound of interest for improving health outcomes related to metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and potentially longevity. While more human clinical trials are needed to establish definitive recommendations, maintaining adequate dietary intake through dairy products or considering supplementation may be beneficial for overall health.