This episode explores the discovery and implications of C15, a newly identified essential fatty acid, for longevity and health. Against the backdrop of research on aging dolphins, which revealed higher C15 levels correlated with healthier aging, Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson details the subsequent research into C15's role in human health. More significantly, studies show C15's impact on multiple longevity pathways, including mitochondrial function, inflammation, and gut microbiome health; for instance, it's shown to reverse aging-related conditions in dolphins and improve liver fat in humans. As the discussion pivoted to human studies, the potential of C15 in treating metabolic diseases like fatty liver disease and its role in preventing type 2 diabetes and heart disease were highlighted. In contrast to other longevity molecules, C15 demonstrates clinically relevant benefits within months, making it a promising therapeutic agent. This discovery challenges conventional wisdom about saturated fats and underscores the importance of considering individual fatty acids' unique properties. What this means for the future is a potential shift in nutritional guidelines and a focus on optimizing C15 levels to promote healthy aging and combat the global metabolic disease crisis.
