From the Guidelines
Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is a saturated fatty acid that has been associated with a lower incidence of diabetes and may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, as evidenced by recent observational studies 1. The significance of C15:0 lies in its potential to improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Key findings from recent studies suggest that the intake of C15:0, found in dairy products, is associated with a lower incidence of diabetes 1.
- Additionally, C15:0 may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, as it has been shown to increase HDL cholesterol and potentially lower the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol 1.
- The beneficial effects of C15:0 appear to be dose-dependent, with higher levels in the bloodstream correlating with better health outcomes in observational studies.
- As a bioactive fatty acid, C15:0 supports cellular health by strengthening cell membranes, improving mitochondrial function, and activating receptors that regulate metabolism.
- Regular consumption of C15:0 may help reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and potentially lower risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain age-related conditions.
- Whole-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter are good dietary sources of C15:0, or specialized C15:0 supplements are available for those looking to increase their intake.
From the Research
Significance of Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0)
- Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is an odd-chain saturated fat that plays a crucial role in stabilizing cell membranes and repairing mitochondrial function, thereby reversing the underpinnings of ferroptosis 2.
- C15:0 has been linked to various health benefits, including:
- The optimal level of C15:0 in cell membranes for long-term health and longevity is proposed to be >0.4% to 0.64% under the "Cellular Stability Hypothesis" 2.
- C15:0 deficiency (≤0.2% total circulating fatty acids) has been linked to increased susceptibilities to ferroptosis, dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 2.
- Supplementation of C15:0 has been shown to reverse the described C15:0 deficiency syndrome, including the key components of ferroptosis 2.
- C15:0 has been found to have dose-dependent and clinically relevant activities across numerous human cell-based systems, which are broader and safer than those of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a leading omega-3 fatty acid 5.
- The presence of C15:0 in the body, in adequate quantities, may be necessary to participate in health maintenance, and it is considered an essential fatty acid that must be provided by the diet, mainly through dairy fat 3, 6.