The Fat You Didn’t Know You Needed

Dave Asprey

Aug 23, 2024

Episode description

In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey is joined by Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist and co-founder of Seraphina Therapeutics, to explore the groundbreaking discovery of C15, also known as Pentadecanoic acid. This episode uncovers how Dr. Venn-Watson's work with aging dolphins in the U.S. Navy led to the surprising revelation that C15 is an essential fatty acid, marking the first discovery of its kind in nearly a century. Through extensive research, C15 has shown powerful benefits for longevity, reducing inflammation, and promoting cellular health, which can help prevent chronic conditions like metabolic syndrome and heart disease. 

Dr. Venn-Watson explains the science behind C15, its natural sources—such as grass-fed dairy and certain types of fish—and why it’s often missing from modern low-fat diets. She also dives into the clinical studies that reveal how C15 can stabilize cell membranes, reduce oxidative stress, and improve metabolic function. The episode emphasizes the importance of this ‘new’ fat for anyone seeking to optimize their health, whether through diet or supplementation. 

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Timestamps and Highlights

  • 00:00:01 — Intr

Episode description

In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey is joined by Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist and co-founder of Seraphina Therapeutics, to explore the groundbreaking discovery of C15, also known as Pentadecanoic acid. This episode uncovers how Dr. Venn-Watson's work with aging dolphins in the U.S. Navy led to the surprising revelation that C15 is an essential fatty acid, marking the first discovery of its kind in nearly a century. Through extensive research, C15 has shown powerful benefits for longevity, reducing inflammation, and promoting cellular health, which can help prevent chronic conditions like metabolic syndrome and heart disease. 

Dr. Venn-Watson explains the science behind C15, its natural sources—such as grass-fed dairy and certain types of fish—and why it’s often missing from modern low-fat diets. She also dives into the clinical studies that reveal how C15 can stabilize cell membranes, reduce oxidative stress, and improve metabolic function. The episode emphasizes the importance of this ‘new’ fat for anyone seeking to optimize their health, whether through diet or supplementation. 

Sponsors



Resources



Timestamps and Highlights

  • 00:00:01 — Intr

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Strengthen cell membranes with C15 for longevity

C15, a stable saturated fat, strengthens cell membranes, which supports the 'cell membrane pacemaker theory of aging' that links membrane stability to a longer lifespan.

Discover vegan-friendly fatty15 supplement for enhanced health

The supplement fatty15 is a pure, vegan-friendly form of C15 created by adding a carbon to a plant-based C14 molecule.

Discover C15 fatty acid's role in healthy aging from dolphins

The essential fatty acid C15 was first discovered by observing that the healthiest aging Navy dolphins had the highest levels of it in their blood.

Discover longevity secret in Sardinian cheese consumption

Men in Sardinia who live to be 100 have C15 levels three times higher than average, linked to eating high-altitude grass-fed sheep and goat cheese like Pecorino.

Address C15 deficiency to prevent ferroptosis and aging diseases

C15 deficiency can cause a newly discovered form of cell death called ferroptosis, which is linked to why younger people are getting diseases of aging.

Maintain C15 levels to prevent cellular fragility syndrome

Having less than 0.2% of C15 in your cell membranes leads to 'cellular fragility syndrome,' where cells become fragile, fall apart, and accelerate aging.

Activate AMPK and boost mitochondrial function with C15

Unlike metformin, which lowers mitochondrial energy, C15 activates the same longevity pathway (AMPK) while also repairing and boosting mitochondrial function.

Activate cannabinoid receptors with C15 for better mood and sleep

The body converts C15 into a metabolite called PDC that fully activates cannabinoid receptors, which may explain its benefits for calmer mood and deeper sleep.

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