In this compelling episode of Longevity Roadmap, host Buck Joffrey interviews Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, a veterinary epidemiologist and co-founder of Seraphina Therapeutics. The episode dives into the discovery and science behind C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid), a newly recognized essential fatty acid with promising implications for longevity and chronic disease prevention.

Key Points:

Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson shares the science behind C15, a newly recognized essential fatty acid tied to longevity and disease prevention—first discovered in healthy dolphins. She discusses how C15 deficiency may accelerate ageing and increase the risk of conditions like fatty liver disease, cellular fragility syndrome, and ferroptosis, a form of iron-related cell death.

• From Dolphins to Discovery: Research into why Navy dolphins were ageing more healthfully than their wild counterparts led to the identification of C15:0, a fatty acid that predicted better metabolic health and longevity in the animals.
• A New Essential Fatty Acid: C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid discovered in over 90 years. Unlike omega-3s, C15:0 appears to strengthen cell membranes, reduce inflammation, and protect against chronic diseases.
• Mechanism of Action – Cellular Protection and Ferroptosis: C15:0 integrates into cell membranes, preventing oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation. Deficiency may cause a condition called "cellular fragility syndrome" and trigger ferroptosis, a form of iron-related cell death linked to ageing.
• Human Relevance and Trials: Clinical trials in young adults with fatty liver disease showed that C15:0 supplementation reduced liver enzymes and improved haemoglobin levels. Epidemiological studies have linked higher C15:0 levels with lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and fatty liver.
• Diet, Decline, and Supplementation: Due to dietary shifts away from full-fat dairy, C15:0 intake has declined in recent decades. Dr. Venn-Watson co-developed “Fatty15,” a supplement designed to restore healthy levels and support long-term health.