From the Guidelines
C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid) may contribute to longevity by supporting cellular health and reducing inflammation, as evidenced by observational studies linking higher blood levels of C15:0 with reduced mortality risk and lower rates of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases 1. When considering the relationship between C15 fat and longevity, it's essential to examine the quality of fatty acids (FAs) contained in food, as the discrepancy in results examining the effects of dietary fat on health can be explained by the quality of FAs 1. Key points to consider include:
- The intake of SFAs, such as pentadecanoic acid (15:0) and heptadecanoic acid (17:0), has been associated with a lower incidence of diabetes 1.
- A diet higher in saturated fat from whole milk and butter may increase LDL cholesterol, but also increase HDL, potentially lowering the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol 1.
- A modest increase in daily intake of dairy products may contribute to the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), even if these are whole dairy products 1. Given the emerging research on C15:0 and longevity, supplementation with 100-150 mg daily of C15:0 (often marketed as fatty15 or pentadecanoic acid supplements) is typically recommended for those interested in its potential benefits, as these supplements are generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects 1. Overall, the ability of C15:0 to support cellular resilience, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic health may collectively contribute to healthy aging and potentially extended lifespan, though more comprehensive human studies are needed to fully establish its effects on longevity 1.
From the Research
C15 Fat and Longevity
- There is no direct mention of C15 fat in the provided studies, however, the Mediterranean diet, which is high in monounsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil, has been associated with increased longevity 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a major contributor to mortality, and has been associated with lower rates of incident diabetes, and better glycaemic control in diabetic patients 2, 3, 6, 4, 5.
- Adherence to the Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce mortality, especially cardiovascular mortality, and has been associated with less age-related cognitive dysfunction and lower incidence of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease 2.
- The Mediterranean diet is characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil, and low intake of meat and dairy products, which may contribute to its beneficial effects on longevity 2, 3, 6, 4, 5.
- While the exact mechanisms by which the Mediterranean diet affects longevity are not fully understood, it is likely that the combination of a healthy diet with social behaviors and lifestyle factors contributes to its beneficial effects 2.